Author/Authors :
ANOSIKE, J.C. University of Jos - Department of Zoology, Nigeria , ZACCHEAUS, V.O. University of Jos - Department of Zoology, Nigeria , ADEIYONGO, C.M. University of Jos - Department of Zoology, Nigeria , ABANOBI, O.C. Abia State University - College of Medicine and Health Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, Nigeria , DADA, E.O. University of Jos - Department of Zoology, Nigeria , OKU, E.E. University of Calabar - Department of Biological Sciences, Nigeria , KEKE, I.R. University of Jos - Department of Zoology, Nigeria , UWAEZUOKE, J.C. Imo State University - Department of Animal Environmental Biology, Nigeria , AMAJUOYI, O.U. Imo State University - Department of Animal Environmental Biology, Nigeria , OBIUKWU, C.E. Imo State University - Department of Industrial Microbiology, Nigeria , NWOSU, D.C. Imo State University - Department of Animal Environmental Biology, Nigeria , OGBUSU, F.I. Imo State University - Department of Animal Environmental Biology, Nigeria
Abstract :
The prevalence of intestinal helminth of residents of Naraguta rural community in Central Nigeria is presented. Out of 700 stool specimens examined between January and July 1999, 261 (37.3%) were positive for helminthic infections. Helminths encountered include Hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Hymenolepis nana. Hookworm was the most predominant, followed by S. stercoralis, S. mansoni and A. lumbricoides with T. trichiura as the least. Intestinal helminthiasis was equally prevalent for males and females. However, infection rates were high among persons below ten years of age, in toddlers, housewives and farmers than others. Persons defecating in the bush harbored more worms (56.7%) than pit latrine users (43.3%). Free medical diagnosis in most rural communities in Nigeria are probably justifiable and should be promoted and/or sustained by government. For protective purposes, conscientious personal cleanliness, proper sanitation and controlled good water supplies would be more useful.
