Human intestinal parasitism,potable water availability and methods of sewage disposal among nomadic Fulanis in Kuraje rural settlement of Zamfara state

Objective:To ascertain the level of intestinal parasites vis-a-vis the quality of housing and water supply,and sanitary conditions among the people of Kuraje village in Zamfara state. Methods:The study was cross sectional in nature.Individual households were selected using systematic random sampling methods and pre-tested questionnaires were administered to all the members of each household.Stool samples were collected and processed using standard laboratory procedures.Housing conditions,sources of water and sanitary conditions of the households were also inspected.Results were analysed using Epi Info 2006 model.Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 67.0%(347/519).72.3%(251/347),17.0%(59/347),and 10.7%(37/347) had one,two and three or more parasites,respectively.The associated factors with intestinal parasites were poor housing and sanitary conditions,lack of potable water and illiteracy.The commonest parasites encountered were hookworm(22.0%),Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%),and Strongyloides stercoralis(15.6%) while the least common was Enterobius vermicularis (1.6%).Others were Giardia lamblia(5.7%),Hymenolepsis nana(5.0%),Trichuris trichiura(8.8%), Entamoeba histolytica(14.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni(8.4%).Conclusions:The infection rate of intestinal parasites in Kuraje village is high.More efforts should be intensified towards improvement in sanitary and housing standards,supply of potable water and institution of a more comprehensive literacy programme for the people of the community.

Africa's 9th malaria day celebration in 2009 and its bearing on most vulnerable groups

Objective:To investigate the incidence of malaria and anaemia among children after the ninth malaria day celebration.Methods:Children attending primary healthcare centres in Makurdi for routine immunization purposes were recruited between September and November 2008 into the study.Thick and thin blood films from arterial blood were stained with Giemsa’s stain and examined microscopically;packed cell volume(PCV) was measured using haematocrit machine and body temperatures with the aid of paediatric thermometers;other anthropometric measurements were also taken.Other relevant information on the children and their parents were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire.Data obtained was analysed using Epi Info statistical s of tware,P values≤0.05 were considered significant.Results:The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia was 32.3%among the 502 children;85.9%(n=139) of children with malaria parasites were anaemic and 88.9%(8/9) of the children with fever had malaria.Infections were commoneT in children aged one year and above(P【0.05).Use of insecticide treated bed nets(TTNs) was 24.7%(n=124) while 27.9%(n=140) used untreated bed nets.There was no significant difference in malaria incidence among those who used ITNs, untreated nets and other unconventional control methods(P】0.05).Educational level of mothers had no significant impact on the incidence of malaria among the children(P】0.05),while occupation had(P【 0.05).Conclusions:Malaria and anaemia are still major health problems in Makurdi city as in several other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.Supply of ITNs and massive health education at the grass root should be stepped up,and possibly supply of facilities for rapid malaria diagnosis to the community should be considered.