Intestinal Helminthes amongst the Hausa and Fulani Settlers at Obinze, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The current status of intestinal helminthes was assessed amongst the Hausa and Fulani settlers at Obinze, Owerri, Imo State. A total of 150 faecal samples were collected randomly from each of the sampled groups and were analysed using standard parasitological procedures. Data obtained showed an overall prevalence of (81.3%) and (79.3%) in the Hausa and Fulani groups respectively. Age-related prevalence varied across the sampled groups; with the 1-10 age group showing (100%) and (90.6%) in the Hausa and Fulani groups respectively. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in age-related infections between the Hausa and Fulani groups however, there was significant difference in helminthes infections between the age groups within each of the sampled groups (pA.lumbricoides and hookworm had the highest combined infection rate in the recorded cases of polyparasitim. The study revealed that poor hygienic practices and unsanitary conditions were responsible for the high prevalence recorded in the area and advocated health education through primary health care as a control measure.

Keywords: Fulani herdsmen, hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, combined infection rate, polyparasitism

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology,Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp. 225-229