Prevalence and Socio-Environmental Factors Associated with Polyparasitism, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are closely related to poor sanitation, lack of good drinking water, improper disposal of human waste, lack of latrines and poor personal hygiene. This study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of polyparasitic infections and the impact of health education and treatment. Stool and urine samples from 350 consented participants were parasitologically examined for parasites. Out of the 350 samples, 150 stool samples were infected with intestinal parasites and 2 urine samples were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. Out of the infected 152 participants, 40 of them had co-infection (polyparasitism), specifically 5(1.43%) had triple co-infection, 35(10%) had double co-infection.Health education and treatment measures had significant (p<0.05) effect on infections. It is important that health education be intensified in areas where treatment may not be forthcoming to reduce infections.

Keywords: Prevalence, helminths, polyparasitism, sanitation, Benue State