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DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN ANAMBRA STATE

ABSTRACT

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most prevalent human parasitic infections worldwide and constitute a global health burden causing clinical morbidity and mortality. This study determined the distribution pattern and association of intestinal parasitic infections in Anambra State. Faecal specimens were examined using direct smear technique, formol ether concentration technique and Kato-katz technique. Of a total of 2,428 faecal specimens examined, 776(31.96%) were positive for intestinal parasites infections. Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka recorded the highest prevalence 34.08% of intestinal parasitic infections, followed by Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) 31.00% whereas General Hospital Onitsha (GHO) recorded the least prevalence of 28.93%. The difference in the rate in the rate of infections was not statistically significant (P>0.05; P=0.246).   Seven species of parasite were recorded in the study; Entamoeba histolytica 27.06% was the most prevalent, while Giardia lambia, 9.28% was the least. Others were Ascaris lumbricoides 24.23%, Hookworm 9.79%, Strongyloides stercoralis 5.41%, Taenia spp 10.44% and Trichuris trichiura 13.79%. The difference in prevalence of intestinal parasite species was statistically significant (P>0.05; P=0.000). Since intestinal parasitic infection is prevalent in the area, mass deworming is recommended. Public health education on the risk factors of the parasite infection should be conducted to help curtail the spread of the infections. Government and other non-governmental in healthcare should fund treatment and surgeries for haemorrhoid, to help ease the financial burden on people suffering the disease in the area.

KEYWORDS: Intestinal parasitic infections. Entamoeba histolytica. Giardia lambia. Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp, Trichuris trichiura.