Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among primary school children in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State, South east, Nigeria
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Date
2014-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Prevalence, children, rural communities, Abia State
Citation
Entamoeba histolytica, primary school children, Abia State