Comparative study of variability of giardiasis prevalence caused by anthropogenic activities in Fundong Health District, north-west region of Cameroon

Abstract

A cross sectional study on the variability of Giardia lamblia prevalence, in a community setting with zoonotic risk factors was carried out in the Fundong Health District of Cameroon. A total of 645 stools samples of individuals aged 0-70 years from different communities made up of urban, peri-urban and rural were enlisted for the study. Structured questionnaire were also used to collect socio-economic data of the participant. Faecal samples collected were analysed in the laboratory using direct wet mount and concentration method respectively. Results obtained showed an overall prevalence rate of 16% (Urban community 2.9%, peri-urban 8.8% and rural 18.6%). Anthropogenically, farmers had highest prevalence of 42(15.3%) based on occupation while officers had least with 1(2.08%) respectively. Amongst gender and age, males had highest prevalence rate of 61(20%) and female 41(12.3%). Age-group 0-10 years had highest prevalence rate of 40.1%. Comparative risk factors such as water sources, surface water had highest prevalence rate of 23.2% while boreholes had zero prevalence. Sanitation and people living with animals showed a significant (p<0.05) relationship with Giardia prevalence. In conclusion association between Giardiasis and unhygienic socio-cultural attitude with water sources are very significant in Giardiasis transmission. Giardia lamblia infection is still a public health problem in the study area. Health Education on transmission, Sanitation, improvement on portable water management are recommended strategies to combat the problem.

Keywords: Giardia; variability prevalence; anthropogenic; community setting; Fundong; Cameroon.