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Background: West Africa includes the most endemic areas in the world with Nigeria being one of the largest countries of West Africa that has been reported to have a high incidence of onchocerciasis. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine Onchocerca volvulus infection among ivermectin-treated population in Ekpan community, Edo State, Nigeria. Setting and Design: A total of 105 participants including 60 males and 45 females with an age range of 15–81 years were recruited in the study. Random sampling technique was employed in the recruitment of participants. Materials and Methods: Two skin snip specimens were taken from the left and right iliac crests of each participant into a microtube containing physiological saline. The skin snips were processed using standard technique and examined microscopically for microfilariae of O. volvulus. Statistical Analysis: The data collected were analyzed using the Chi-square (X2) test and odd ratio. The statistical package used was GraphPad INSTAT. Results: An overall prevalence of 74.3% of O. volvulus infection was observed among ivermectin-treated subjects in Ekpan. Age, occupation, noncompliance of ivermectin treatment, and source of water significantly affected the prevalence of O. volvulus infection among ivermectin-treated population in Ekpan (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Effective distribution of ivermectin and strict compliance of ivermectin treatment are advocated as these efforts will go a long way at controlling as well as reducing the effects of onchocerciasis in this community.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons are commonly infected with Cryptosporidium species and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in both developed and developing countries, particularly patients with CD4+ cell counts below 200 cells/μL; 285 HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were enrolled in this study, and both stool and blood specimens were collected from participants. The stool specimens were analyzed and typed for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. CD4 count was analyzed using flow cytometry. E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium were detected in 18 (6.3%) and 4 (1.4%) patients, respectively. The E. bieneusi detected mostly belonged to a new genotype group that, thus far, has only been found in a few humans: genotype Nig4 in 2 patients and two new genotypes related to Nig4 in 12 patients. The Cryptosporidium detected included C. hominis (two patients), C. parvum (one patient), and C. felis (one patient), with the two C. hominis infections belonging to an unusual subtype family. Additional studies are required to determine whether some E. bieneusi genotypes and C. hominis subtypes are more prevalent in HIV patients on HAART.

Molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi has led to better understanding of microsporidiosis transmission in humans. This study aimed to detect and genotype E. bieneusi in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. Stool specimens were collected from 463 HIV-infected patients and analyzed for E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer. E. bieneusi was detected in 77 HIV patients. CD4 cell counts < 200 cells/μL was associated with E. bieneusi infection (P = 0.09). E. bieneusi was significantly associated with weight loss (P < 0.0001), diarrhea (P = 0.006), fever (P < 0.0001), not being married (P < 0.0001), and flush type of toilet (P = 0.0007). Six known genotypes of D, A, IV, CAF2, EbpA, and Peru 8 in 31, 22, 14, 2, 1, and 1 patients, respectively, five novel genotypes of E. bieneusi, and one infection with mixed genotypes were observed in this study. Three of the novel genotypes were genetically distant to the genotypes commonly found in humans.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and anemia among children ≤ 5 years old in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. We also assessed the effects of age and sex on disease prevalence. Blood samples were collected from 1325 children (744 males and 581 females) with signs and symptoms of malaria. Malaria parasitemia was diagnosed by microscopy, while anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration < 11g/dL. Males had a significantly higher risk of malaria infection (odds ratio, OR, 1.399; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.087–1.801, p < 0.009), while females had a significantly higher risk of anemia (OR, 2.711; 95% CI, 1.872–3.929; p < 0.001). Generally, age did not affect the prevalence of malaria—except among males, where children between 2-3 years old had a significantly (p = 0.006) higher prevalence. Generally and among males, age affected the prevalence of anemia with children 4–5 years old having significantly (p < 0.001) lower prevalence of anemia. Malaria was a risk factor for acquiring anemia (OR, 2.289; 95% CI, 1.630–3.214; p < 0.001). Overall prevalences of 75.77% and 87.32% for malaria and anemia, respectively, were observed. While malaria parasitemia was higher among males, anemia was higher in females. Malaria and anemia were affected by age only in males. Effective control measures against malaria are advocated.

Background: Parasitic infection is a cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to determine the co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal parasites among the pregnant women in Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 601 participants, consisting of 401 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and 200 non-pregnant controls, were recruited in this study. The blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant. P. falciparum and intestinal parasites were diagnosed using standard techniques. Results: An overall prevalence of 43.1% of co-infection of P. falciparum and intestinal parasites was observed among the pregnant women. P. falciparum parasitaemia prevalence was 24.9%, whereas the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 18.2%. The most common co-infections among the pregnant women were either P. falciparum/Entamoeba histolytica (16.7%) or P. falciparum/Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%). Pregnancy status, gestational age and anaemia correlated with the co-infection of P. falciparum/intestinal parasites. Conclusion: Measures to reduce P. falciparum/intestinal parasite co-infection and their effect on pregnant women are advocated.

This study was carried out to determine the presence of intestinal parasites and their correlation with CD4+ T-cell counts and demographics among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Stool specimens from 2,000 HIV-positive patients and 500 controls (HIV-negative individuals) were examined for ova, cysts, or parasites, using standard procedures. In addition, patient’s blood samples were analyzed for CD4 counts by flow cytometry. An overall prevalence rate of 15.3% was observed among HIVpositive patients while 6.2% was noted among non-HIV subjects. HIV status was a significant (P

Parasitic infections continue to take their toll on HIV positive patients by influencing the blood qualitatively and quantitatively. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in relation to anaemia and CD4 counts among HIV-infected patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Using a serial sampling method, a total of 2000 HIV-infected patients were recruited on their first visit prior to highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from August 2007 to August 2009. Stool and blood samples were collected from each patient. The stool samples were processed using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique to microscopically identify the oocysts of Cryptosporidium species, Isospora belli , Cyclospora species and spores of Microsporidium species while saline and iodine preparations were used for identifying the ova, cysts and parasites of Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm, Taenia spp and other parasites. The blood specimens were equally analyzed using the flow cytometry for CD4 + T-lymphocyte count and autoanalyzer – sysmex kx – 21 for haemoglobin concentration. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 93.3% while 18% had parasitic infections. There was a significant relationship between CD4 count P Cryptosporidium species ( P = 0.005) , A. lumbricoides ( P =0.035), hookworm and Taenia species ( P =0.014) were associated with anaemia. Anaemia was associated with CD4 count while Cryptosporidium species, Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm and Taenia species were the intestinal parasitic agents associated with anaemia. In conclusion the prevalence of anaemia in HIV-infected patients is high low CD4 count is a significant risk factor of acquiring anaemia. Except for isosporiasis, cryptosporidiosis, A. lumbricoides , hookworm and Taenia species in HIV infected individuals are parasitic agents associated with anaemia. Routine screening for intestinal parasites and holistic management of anaemia is advocated.

Background: Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode, Onchocerca volvulus. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, endemicity, and symptomatic effects of the disease in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area. Methods:The prevalence of Onchocerciasis was investigated in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, between March 2008 and June 2009 using the standard skin-snip method. A total of 2020 subjects, who had visited various primary health centres located in each community, were enlisted using randomised sampling, and the data were analysed using the Chi-squared (X2) test and logistic regression. Results: Of the 2020 individuals examined, 1674 (83%) harboured microfilaria in their skin tissues. On the basis of the standardised scale for microfilaria prevalence—less than 10% is considered sporadic, 10–29% is considered hypoendemic, 30–59% is considered mesoendemic, and 60% and above is considered hyperendemic—the prevalence (83%) reported in this study led to the disease being classified as hyperendemic. Females were more frequently infected than were males, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Prevalence was also found to increase with age, and this correlation was significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence of the clinical features of the disease in the local government area was 87.5% for leopard skin, 84.16% for itching, and 75.42% for nodules. Conclusion: A prevalence of 83% was observed and considered hyperendemic. Female gender and age (50 years or more) were significant risk factors that affected the prevalence of Onchocerciasis. The findings demonstrated the hyperendemicity of infection and the need for urgent attention with ivermectin treatment and other control measures.

Introduction: Human co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum and helminthes is ubiquitous throughout Africa. This study aimed to determine the co-infections of Plasmodium falciparum infection in HIV and intestinal parasitic infections, and their immunological distribution, in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 2,000 stool specimens from HIV-positive patients and 500 controls (HIV-negative individuals) were examined for ova, cysts, or parasites using standard procedures. In addition, patients' blood samples were analyzed for CD4 counts by flow cytometry and examined for Plasmodium falciparum by microscopy. Results: The prevalence of single parasitic infection among HIV patients was 18.1% in males and 16.9% among females with no significant difference (p = 0.536) while gender was a risk factor in multiple parasitic infections (male versus female: 4.2% and 1.8% OR = 2.384; 95% CI = 1.371, 4.147) (p = 0.0025). Increasing age was not associated with increased risk of both single and multiple parasitic infections (p = 0.083; p = 0.248). CD4 + T cell count less than 200 cells/µl was a risk factor for acquiring single and multiple parasitic infections among HIV patients (OR = 5.565; 95% CI = 4.136, 7.486; p = 0.0001; OR = 4.283; 95% CI = 2.424, 7.566; p = 0.0001). The most common co-infection observed was between Plasmodium falciparum and Ascaris lumbricoides 43% (10) among HIV patients. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of co-infections between Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal parasites. Diagnosis of parasitic infections among HIV patients is advocated as this will enhance better management of HIV-infected patients.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and factors responsible for the spread of intestinal parasites in Edo State and suggest strategies for their control. Methods: This prospective and cross sectional study involved 3601 (798 males, 1002 females and 1801 children) selected randomly from the 18 local government areas of Edo State. Stool samples collected from the selected participants were analysed using standard techniques. Using a structured questionnaire, factors which disposed to increase in the prevalence of intestinal parasites were investigated between April 2007 and March 2008. Results: High prevalence (11.3%) of intestinal parasites was recorded in the study. Those drinking well water had the highest prevalence, followed by those who used tap water and least among people who used borehole water. Infection rate was higher in children who lived in bushy surrounding and lower in children who lived in marshy surrounding. The highest infection rate of 10% was observed in chldren who lived in environments where refuse was indiscriminately disposed and lowest (2.5%) in adult males who inhabited environments where refuse was collected in dust bins. Children who ate outside their homes and with unwashed hands were more likely to be infected than adult males who ate at home. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of parasitic infections in the State. Factors including water source, environment, method of refuse disposal, feeding pattern, sewage disposal, socio-economic status and cultural habits were identified to be contributing to parasitic infection. Keywords: Socio-economic factors, parasitic infection, Edo state, Nigeria

Context: Human intestinal parasites have always been a major health problem in the developing countries. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among artisans and establishes a relationship between the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and risk-factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 353 participants which consisted of 272 males and 81 females were recruited for this study with age ranging from 18 to 65 years. Stool specimens were collected from the participants and analysed using the standard technique. The data obtained were analysed using Chi-square (χ2 ) to compare the frequency data while the odd ratio was calculated for potential risk factors. Results: Out of 353 subjects, 118 (33.4%) subjects had intestinal parasitic infections. Age, gender, marital status, occupation, educational status and source of food did not significantly affect (P = 0.219, P = 0.920, P = 0.276, P = 0.087, P = 0.074 and P = 0.442, respectively) the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. The use of well/rain water (odds ratio [OR] =2.721; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.452, 5.100; P = 0.002) and presence of diarrhoea (OR = 6.169; 95% CI = 3.665, 10.474; P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections among artisans. Defecating in nearby bushes resulted in a significantly increased prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among artisans (P < 0.0001). The intestinal parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba histolytica. A. lumbricoides had the highest prevalence (77.8%). The male gender had the highest prevalence in all the four intestinal parasites recovered in this study. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of 34.4% of intestinal parasitic infections was observed among artisans in Benin City. The source of water, type of toilet and presence of diarrhoea significantly affected the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among artisans. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasitic agent recovered in this study.

The use of molecular tools in epidemiological investigations has provided new insights into the transmission of cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. This study aimed to characterize the transmission of cryptosporidiosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Stool specimens were collected from 500 HIV-infected patients as part of the routine patient care. Cryptosporidium species in stool specimens were detected and differentiated using a small subunit rRNA-based polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. C. hominis and C. parvum were found and subtyped by DNA sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Cryptosporidium species were detected in 36 HIV patients and none were found among non-HIV patients. A CD4+ count < 200 cells/μL was a significant risk factor for acquiring cryptosporidiosis (odds ratio = 21.214; 95% confidence interval = 9.917, 45.381; p < 0.0001). Cryptosporidium infection was also associated with weight loss and diarrhea. Other risk factors included animal contact, and using stream/river or well water as drinking water. Genotyping of the Cryptosporidium species identified the presence of C. hominis (47.2%), C. parvum (44.4%), C. felis (5.6%) and C. canis (2.8%). The C. hominis specimens subtyped belonged to the Ia, Ib and Ie subtype families, whereas those of C. parvum belonged to the IIc and two new subtype families. Anthroponotic transmission appears to be important in cryptosporidiosis epidemiology in HIV-infected persons in Nigeria despite the high frequency of C. parvum infection and the identification of animal contact as a risk factor.