ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN: 2326-7291 Vol. 3 (2), pp. 007-016, February, 2014. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Prevalence of pathogenic protozoa infection in humans and their associated risk factors in Benue State, Nigeria
Bernard Ortwer Atu1, Ifeoma Nancy I. Obijiaku2* and Sabo Ezemuel Yakubu3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
2Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria.
3Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author.E-mail:[email protected] .Tel:+2348179502022, +2348037727690
Accepted 21 January, 2014
Abstract
Pathogenic intestinal protozoa have been associated with human gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. This study was designed to determine the prevalence & associated risk factors of Cryptosporidium parvum (CP), Entamoeba histolytica (EH) and Giardia lamblia (GL) infections in people living in the senatorial districts of Benue state (zones A, B and C). A cross-sectional study was designed in which 733 stool samples were collected from out-patients and apparently healthy individuals from homes. Ethical consent was sought and approved before sample collection. Samples were analyzed using the Rida® Quick immunochromatographic method. A structured questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain information on their socio-demographic characteristics. The results showed a total prevalence rate of 47.8, 31.5 and 43.9% in zones A, B and C respectively. While source of drinking water was positively associated with protozoa infections in zones A and C, age, hand washing habit and source of food were statistically significant only in zone A (p < 0.05). In zone B, literacy level, household toilet facility and care of fruits significantly increased infection rates (p < 0.05). This study has identified specific risk factors responsible for pathogenic protozoa infections in humans in Benue state.
Key words: Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, risk factors, Benue State, Nigeria.