The Prevalence of Polyparasitism in Oju, Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal and urinary parasitic infections remain an important public health problem in the tropics where poor hygiene and sanitation are a norm rather than an exception.  This study was designed to determine the prevalence and distribution of polyparasitic infections and to determine the impact of health education and treatments .Stool and urine samples from 350 participants were analyzed using macroscopic and microscopic direct stool examination of wet and Lugol’siodine preparations and Formal-ether concentration techniques and microscopic examination of simple centrifuged samples of urine. Out of the 350 participants, 101were infected with intestinal parasites with the male and female participants having 29 (66.0%), 41 (71.9%) prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica, 9 (20.5%), 8(14%) Eschericia coli, 2 (4.6), 6(10.5%) Trichomonas hominis and4 (9.1%), 2 (3.5%) Chilomastix mesnilli respectively. Out of the infected 101 participants, 14 of them had co-infection (polyparasitism). The result of polyparasitism in the Local Government is not significant (p>0.05).The overall infection before health education and treatment was high and least after health education and treatment 0(0%) (p<0.05). The results of this study indicated improper hygiene and sanitation conditions.