Prevalence of Intestinal Amoebiasis in Infant and Junior School Children in Degema General Hospital and Environs

The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal amoebiasis in infant and junior school children in Degema General Hospital and its environs. 405 stool samples were collected from children within the age group of 1-14 years who attended the Degema General Hospital and three communities of Ileleme, Okpor nd Usokun-Degema. The samples were examined for Entamoeba Histolytica cysts and/or trophozoites. The direct wet preparation and Formol Ether concentration techniques were employed. Forty three (11%) of the samples were found to be positive for the parasite. Children within the age category of 6-10 yrs had the highest rate of infection. Females (12.3%) were more infected than males (8.8%) proportionately. In conclusion, the prevalence rates of intestinal amoebiasis among these patients were 11%. Improved sanitation, personal hygiene and deliberate policy by government for rural community health concern will indeed prevent faecal contamination of food and water sources.