Entamoeba histolytica Infection in Children Aged 0-12 Years in Rural Communities in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica infections rank among the most common in a list of communicable and non-communicable diseases affecting school-age population of developing countries worldwide. Epidemiological data on the health status of these groups in rural communities are very limited. Two hundred and thirty (230) children aged 0-12 years were sampled for E. histolytica infection in five communities in Anambra East Local Government Area, a rural setting in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. The stool samples were examined for cysts of the intestinal protozoan parasite using both saline and iodine preparations. The prevalence of E. histolytica infection was found to be 12.6% (29/230). The prevalence by sex showed that males were more infected with a prevalence of 16.1% (18/112) than females who had a prevalence of 9.3% (11/118), with a chi-square value of 5.082 and p-value of 0.024. This showed that there is an association between sex and the prevalence of E. histolytica. However, prevalence among different age groups showed no association. Also E. histolytica infection was found to be independent of urban and rural communities as the chi-square value of 2.589 and p-value of 0.108 indicated. There is need for improved sanitary and hygienic practices among inhabitants of the area.

Keywords: Entamoeba histolytica infections, Anambra State, Prevalence, Children

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 33 [2] September 2012, pp. 129-132