Prevalence of Intestinal parasitic protozoan and helminth infections in Aguluzigbo rural community, Anaocha L.G.A Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of helminth and protozoan infections in Aguluzigbo town, Anambra State, Nigeria, between July 2023 and June 2024. A total of 400 fecal samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol ether concentration techniques. The results showed that 161 (40.25%) samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites, with 109 (27.25%) cases of helminth infections and 52 (13.00%) cases of protozoan infections. Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Hookworm, Gardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura , Strongyloides stercoralis and Isospora belli were encountered in the studied samples Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite, with a prevalence rate of 18.25%. The prevalence rates for females (43.23%) and males (38.61%) did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Similarly, the prevalence rates among different age groups and villages did not differ significantly (P>0.05). The study highlights the need for regular sanitary and environmental hygiene checks to control parasitic infections in the community. The findings of this study can inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in the study area. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Aguluzigbo town, and the results can be used to develop targeted interventions to improve public health.