Nwibari BMW¹, Yakubu HD², Yohanna JA², Ogbonna AI³ and Nanvyat N²*

¹Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Nanvyat N, Applied Entomology and Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Received: April 03, 2023; Published: April 18, 2023

Abstract

Background: Infection by helminthes is a major human health problem and often considered Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). In Jos, there is general lack of interest in the control of important human intestinal helminthic diseases following reduced concerns for their morbidity and mortality rates among its residence, consequently, low research interests recorded.

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of such human helminthic infections, emphasize Ascariasis among vulnerable patients attending Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.

Methodology: Studies were conducted considering 150 stool samples collected and examined from both in and out patients. Different human based sociological and socio-economic indices, such as sex, age group, types of toilet facilities and sources of drinking water were used to analyze the effects and distribution of the parasite. Formol-ether concentration method was used in the analysis of the collected stool samples.

Results: Results indicate that the overall prevalence of Ascariasis infection was 14(9.33%), of which 4(2.67%) were males and 10(6.67%) females. The age group between 0 - 4 years had 1(0.67%), 5 - 8 years had 3(2.00%), 9 - 12 years had 1(0.67%) and 13 years and above had 9 (6.00%) prevalence. Patients that defecate in the bush had the highest prevalence of Ascariasis infection with 9 (6.00%), those for pit latrine had 4(2.67%) while those for water system had the least prevalence of 1(0.69%). Observably, those who drink water from Rivers/Stream had the highest prevalence of 11(7.33%), those that drink well water had the least prevalence of 3(2.00%) and those that drink tap water had no infection at all. Also, the knowledge, attitude and perception of patients were taken to know their level of awareness or ignorance on the pathogenicity of the parasites.

Conclusion: In view of this prevalence, there is need to provide adequate toilet facilities and infection-free sources of drinking water to cushion the effect of the parasite among patients attending the hospital. Mass health education campaign on the pathogenicity of the parasite, creation of more health facilities to control and investigate the parasite. As well as administration of appropriate medication in treating the disease.

 Keywords: Helminthiasis; Ascariasis; Socio-environmental Factors

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Citation

Citation: Nwibari BMW., et al. “Socio-environmental Factors and Ascariasis Among Patients Attending Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria". Acta Scientific Microbiology 6.5 (2023): 61-67.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2023 Nwibari BMW., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.