Browsing by Author "Ohaeri,C.C"

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    Co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti in an irrigated farming community, north central Nigeria
    (Moroccan Society of Biology, 2020-12) Amaechi,E.C; Ohaeri,C.C; Ukpai,O.M
    Background: Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti infections have similar geographical distribution and co-infection is a common-place. Risk is generally elevated for residents living in and around stagnant water bodies such as dams and irrigated farming projects. This study was aimed at establishing the current status of malaria and Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Omi-a rural irrigated farming community located in north central Nigeria. Methods: Five hundred and thirty nine (539) individuals were examined. Their blood samples subjected to microscopic examination and immunochromatographic test, for identification of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti parasites respectively. Results: Out of the 539 blood samples examined, 332 (61.6%) were positive for malaria parasite and 17 (3.2%) were positive for Wuchereria bancrofti, while 10(1.9%) were positive for both malaria and W. bancrofti. However, prevalence of malaria parasite was not statistically significant in relation to sex (P > 0.05).The prevalence of Lymphatic filariasis was statistically higher in males (3.5%) than in females (2. 8%).Concerning overall prevalence of concomitant infections, 10 (1.9%) were infected with more males 6 (2.4%) infected than females 4 (1.4%). Conclusion: The result of this study reveals a low concurrent transmission of both infections. An integrated control strategy for malaria and LF should be adopted in this area and also the need to educate the populace on measures of reducing vector-human contact is advocated.
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    Distribution and seasonal abundance of Anopheline mosquitoes and their association with rainfall around irrigation and non irrigation areas in Nigeria
    (UNED: Research journal in Costa Rica, 2018-12) Amaechi,E.C; Ukpai,O.M; Ohaeri,C.C; Ejike, B.U; Irole-Eze,O.P; Egwu, O; Nwadike, C.C
    The abundance of Anopheline mosquito species is the most common entomological measurement to determine the relationship between vectors and malaria incidence. We conducted an entomolog ical survey to determine mosquito species diversity and abundance in relation to rainfall in Omi reservoir irrigation area, Nigeria. We col lected adult mosquitoes from 10 randomly selected residential houses using Pyrethrum spray sheet and Human Landing Catch methods. We grouped the samples into irrigated (intervention) and non-irrigated (control) communities. During the 12-month sampling period, we col lected a total of 4 285 mosquitoes belonging to 10 species in one fam ily. The three most common species during this study were Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Irrigated community has higher numbers of mosquitoes (69,4%) compared to those collected in non-irrigated community (32,0%). Comparing the two collection methods used, Pyrethrum spray sheet has a greater number 2 225(75,4%) of mosquitoes than those with Human Landing Catch method 724(24,6%). During dry season, we collected fewer mos quitoes. The lowest number was collected in February (114) and the highest occurring during the wet season in July (445).
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    Giardiasis and its associated risk factors among school children in selected rural communities in south eastern Nigeria
    (De La Salle University, Manilla, Philippines, 2018) Ogbuu,O; Ohaeri,C.C; Amaechi,E.C; Ejike,B.U
    The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of giardiasis among school children in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study was carried out from June to October, 2015. Direct smear, iodine wet mounts, and the formol-ether concentration technique were used to analyze the stool samples. Out of 600 stool samples from pupils aged 5-16 years from six primary schools examined, 30 (5.0%) were infected. The prevalence rate was higher among males (5.7%) than among females (4.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.91, df = 1, p > 0.05). Pupils in the 8- to 10-year age group had the highest prevalence (5.8%, n = 260), while those in the age group of 11-13 years had the lowest prevalence (3.9%, n = 230). Similarly, pupils in primary 2 had the highest prevalence (7.1%, n = 170) while those in primary 6 had the lowest (2.5%, n = 80). Infection was higher among children whose parents were traders (11.7%, n = 120) and farmers (10.0%, n = 100, than among those whose parents were civil servants (1.6%, n = 380). There was a significant statistical differene in the prevalence of giardiasis with respect to occupation of parents of these children (χ2 = 25.85, df = 2, p < 0.05). On the sources of drinking water, children who drank rain and stream water recorded high prevalence rates of (6.3% n = 270) and (5.7% (n = 230), respectively. There was statistically significant difference in the prevalence of giardiasis with respect to the sources of water (χ2 = 6.42, df = 2, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that giardiasis was prevalent among school children in Afikpo. It is recommended that adequate health education and sanitary measures be carried out in order to decrease the rate of Giardia infection in school children.
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    Parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria
    (Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 2021-06) Ejike,B.U; Ohaeri,C.C; Amaechi,E.C
    Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour, odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Five parasites Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides of Entamoeba coli and Hookworm were observed. Each of the sample sources except rainwater harbored at least one of these. Among these parasites, Giardia lamblia had the highest rate occurrence of 15 (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 14 (22.9%) and the least frequently occurring parasite was hookworm 8 (13.1%). Most of the identified water sources are utilized by the populace who lack access to potable water. The detection of protozoan and helminthic parasites in drinking water sources is a serious public health concern, hence the proper implementation of a supply of safe drinking water is vital
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    Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among primary school children in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, South east, Nigeria
    (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, 2014-01) Amaechi,E.C; Ohaeri,C.C; Ukpai,O.M; Nwachukwu,P.C; Ukoha,U.K
    Amoebiasis is a cosmopolitan infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and ranks third among parasitic infections that lead to death especially in children. Epidemiological data in most rural communities about this infection is scanty. Three hundred (300) children aged 0- 14 years were sampled for E. histolytica infection in five rural communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, South East Nigeria. The stool samples were examined for cysts of E. histolytica using saline and iodine preparations. The prevalence rate of 16.0 % was recorded. The prevalence by sex showed a higher infection rate in males (18.7 %) than females (13.3 %) which was significantly different (X 2 , p<0.05). This showed an association between sex and the prevalence of E. histolytica. There was also a slight association observed among the different age groups. The highest prevalence of 21.7 % was recorded in children from Umuelechi community, although there was no significant difference among the communities (X 2 , p>0.05). There is therefore an urgent need for improved sanitation, personal hygiene and a proper deworming scheme amongst school children in the study areas to alleviate the scourge.
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    Prevalence of falciparum malaria amongst pregnant women in Aba south Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria
    (Parasitology and Public health Society of Nigeria, 2017-03) Ejike,B.U; Ohaeri,C.C; Amaechi,E.C; Ejike,E.N; Okike-Osisiogu, F.U; Irole-Eze,O.P; Belonwu,A.C
    Malaria during pregnancy poses a substantial risk to mother and foetus especially an infection with Plasmodium falciparum. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of falciparum malaria among pregnant women in Aba South Local Government Area, Abia State, south-east Nigeria. Blood samples from 432 pregnant women who attended Primary Health Care Centre and Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) were examined using Giemsa stained thick and thin films. Structured questionnaires were also administered to the women from whom blood samples were collected. A total of 173 (40.0%) were found to be infected with P. falciparum. It was the only type of malaria parasite species encountered. Distribution of infection among age groups was highest 12 (60.0%) among age group 15-20 years and lowest 121 (36.7%) among age group 26 years and above with significant difference (p<0.05). Occupational distribution showed that traders had the highest prevalence 88 (63.3%) while students were least infected 21 (17.9%) with significant difference (p<0.05). Primigravida had the highest prevalence rate of 99 (50.3%) while multigravida had the lowest rate 38 (27.1%) with significant difference (p<0.05). Respondents who were at their first trimester also showed a high prevalence rate 69 (56.6%) while those in their third trimester were least infected 28 (30.1%) with significant difference (p<0.05). It is therefore necessary to design an effective public health education programme targeted at this high risk group and also instituting an intermittent preventive treatment in hospitals and health centres in Aba South LGA that is known to have a high malaria prevalence.
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    Prevalence of helminthiasis among school children in some rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria
    (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2013) Amaechi,E.C; Ohaeri,C.C; Ukpai,O.M
    Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) are known to be endemic in developing tropical countries. A study on the prevalence and risk factors associated with STHs infections among children in three selected primary schools in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State was undertaken between February and July, 2012. The stool samples collected from 338 children aged 5 – 13 years in the three primary schools were analyzed using direct normal saline and formal-ether concentration technique for the presence of STHs. Closed ended pre-tested questionnaire was used for collection of data on socio demographic and personal health habits associated with STHs. Three different helminths were observed. These included Ascaris lumbricoides (8.2%), hookworm (5.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.9%). Multiple infections were however observed in individuals. Of the 338 stool samples examined, 256 were infected giving a prevalence of 75.7%. The prevalence of STHs was significantly higher in males than females in age group 5 – 7 years. A. lumbricoides was the most encountered parasites in the study, while Central Primary School, Obohia recorded the highest prevalence (90.2%) of infection in the three schools sampled. The month of July (peak of the rainy season) recorded the highest prevalence rate (92.9%). Those who defecated in bushes and other unhygienic places had the highest infection of 89.9%, while those that had water closet had the least infection of 40.5%. Those that used wells and streams as main source of water had an infection of 96.9%. Inadequate basic social amenities have contributed to the spread of parasite in the area. Government should make available the much needed amenities to the populace to alleviate the spread of the diseases in the study area and should also create public awareness on the dangers of the disease.