The influence of community ecology and behaviour on the bionomics of intestinal helminthiasis in parts of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Four hundred and ninety-four (494) faecal samples were examined for various intestinal helminth parasites in four communities of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Niger Delta, Nigeria . Buguma, Ido, Minnama, and Omekwe-ama. Of the number examined, 273 (55.3%) were positive for Ascaris, hookworm, Trichuris, Strongyloides, and Enterobius. Species. Prevalence of infection with these parasites decreased with increasing age. It was highest in individuals of 10-14 years old, followed by 15-19 years old and the lowest occurred in individuals of 40-44+ years. Statistical analyses show that infections with these intestinal helminth parasites were both community dependent (p value = 1.80, i.e. p<0.05) and age-dependent (p value = 2.3705, i.e. p<0.05). Males showed higher prevalence rate than females. Statistical analysis showed that infection for sex was not significant (p value = 0.000141, i.e. p<0.05). Polyparasitism was a predominant feature of these intestinal helminth parasites,
Ascaris/hookworm and Ascaris/hookworm/Trichuris were the common combinations. The worm combination was not statistically significant (p value = 0.35687, i.e. p<0.05). The prevalence rate of these intestinal helminth parasites was attributed to ecological, socio-economic and behavioural factors.