Human Intestinal Parasitism in a Rural Settlement of Northern Nigeria, a Survey.

Abstract

Intestinal parasites are still a common feature among our communities. This study was set out to ascertain this. One hundred and fifty respondents were recruited into the study. A pretested questionnaire was interviewer administered to the respondents with specific hygienic components such as: sources of drinking water, methods of sewage disposal and water purification among others. Stool samples were collected from all the interviewed and analysed microscopically and findings analysed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in Mbangough community was 62%(96 out of 150). The commonest parasite encountered was Ascaris lumbricoides (44%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (14%) and Entamoeba histolytica (11.3%). Other parasites were Entamoeba coli 3.3%, Hookworm 6.0%, Schistosoma mansoni 1.3%, Taenia species 7.3%, while the least common parasite encountered was Strongyloides stercoralis 0.6%.. None of the respondents had access to pipe borne water or bore hole. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Mbangough community is still quite high. Government should invigorate in her pursuit towards the provision of primary health care facilities in our communities such as drilling of bore holes, more coordinated health education campaigns to include proper sewage disposal mechanisms. Furthermore, health education should be made a compulsory course in all primary schools as well as all adult and literacy classes in order to establish a permanent culture of healthcare awareness.

Keywords: Intestinal Parasites, rural community, Survey

The Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 51 (1&2) 2007: pp. 11-15