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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.

Background: Norovirus is now recognized as a major cause of gastroenteritis among children worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Norovirus infection among children that are less than five years of age in Niger-Delta zone, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 263 subjects consisted of 163 children with diarrhea attending Paediat-ric clinics at the Central Hospital, Warri and Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa as well as 100 aged- and sex-matched healthy individuals that served as controls were recruited for this study. Demographic information was obtained through the aid of a well-structured questionnaires. Norovirus was detected by using a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay kit (Biopanda reagents, Belfast, United Kingdom). Results: The overall prevalence of Norovirus infection was 15.3%. The prevalence of Norovirus infection was significantly higher in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (22.9 % vs. 6.7%; OR= 3.6615; 95% CI = 1.378, 9.725; P=0.0092). Children that are less than 5 years of age attending day care centers are greatly affected by Norovirus infection (P=0.0044). Also, poor hand hygiene practice was also a significant risk factor for Norovirus infection among study subjects (P=0.0036). Furthermore, secretors were found to have a 1 to 334 fold increased risk of acquiring Norovirus infection in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (OR=19.28, 95% C.I, 1.1102, 334.68, P=0.0422). Conclusion: The need for routine screening for Norovirus infection among children with diarrhea is advocated. Data from this study as well suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role in Norovirus infection.

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.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood glucose, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among DM patients as well as the risk factors involved in the acquisition of these parasitic infections. A total of 180 individuals were included in this study. The study group consisted of 150 (41 males and 109 females) DM patients attending clinics, and 30 (7 males and 23 females) non-DM individuals served as controls. Stool and blood specimens were obtained from each participant to detect intestinal parasites and to determine hemoglobin concentration using standard techniques. An overall prevalence of 18.7% of intestinal parasitic infections among DM patients was observed in this study. DM status was significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections (odds ratio = 14.192; 95% confidence interval = 0.842, 239.22; p = 0.022). Age and type of toilet significantly (p = 0.047 and p

The population structure of Enterocytozoon bieneusi was examined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of 64 specimens from AIDS patients in Peru, Nigeria, and India and five specimens from captive baboons in Kenya using a combination of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and four microsatellite and minisatellite markers. Parasites in different geographic locations (Peru, India, and Nigeria) all had strong and significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) and only limited recombination, indicative of a clonal population structure in E. bieneusi from each location. When isolates of various geographical areas were treated as a single population, phylogenetic analysis and substructural analysis using STRUCTURE found no evidence for the existence of geographically segregated sub-populations. Nevertheless, both analyses revealed the presence of two major genetically isolated groups of E. bieneusi: one (sub-population 1) contained all isolates of the anthroponotic ITS genotype A, whereas the other (sub-population 2) harbored isolates of multiple ITS genotypes with zoonotic potential. This was also supported by FST analysis. The measurement of LD and recombination rates indicated that sub-population 2 had a clonal population structure, whereas sub-population 1 had an epidemic population structure. The data confirmed the existence of genetic sub-populations in E. bieneusi that may be transmitted differently in humans.

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.

Intestinal parasitic infections have been reported in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 285 (84 male and 201 female) HIV-infected adults in the course of HAART were enrolled. Blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant and processed using standard procedures. CD4 count < 200cells/μL and diarrhea were significant risk factors for acquiring intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients.Anemia was significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were the only intestinal parasites recovered. We showed a low prevalence (5.3%) of intestinal parasitic infections among HAART patients. Opportunistic coccidia were not detected in this study. Routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites among HIV-infected patients on HAART is advocated.

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 infections are influenced by behavioural, biological, environmental and local conditions while enteric parasitic infections have been reported as a public health concern in developing countries. This study aimed at determining the enteric parasitic infections among secondary school students in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 200 participants that consisted of 87 males and 113 females were recruited for this study. The age of participants ranged from 11 to 33 years. Both blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant. The blood specimens were analyzed for haemoglobin concentration while the stool specimens were processed for intestinal parasites.Results: An overall prevalence of 12% of enteric parasitic infection was observed in this study. Age, gender, marital status, anaemia and type of toilet significantly affected the prevalence of enteric parasitic infections. E. histolytica, G. lamblia, A. lumbricoides, H. nana, and Taenia species were the parasites recovered with E. histolytica and A. lumbricoides as the most prevalent enteric parasites recovered. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite across the age groups, male, married participants and those who are anaemic. There was no case of mixed infection of enteric parasites observed in this study.Conclusion: Measures to improve the environmental and personal hygiene of secondary school students with the view of reducing the associated sequelae of these neglected enteric parasites are advocatedKeywords: Enteric parasites, Gusau, Nigeria, Students

Background: Peptic ulcer is regarded as a chronic disease that impairs the quality of life and has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to determine the ameliorative effect of Allium sativum on induced gastrointestinal tract injury in albino Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: A. sativum was purchased from vegetable market and authenticated in the Department of Pharmacognosis of University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. A total of 24 albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 120 g and 150 g were used. The rats were randomly shared into six study groups: two control groups and four treated groups (four rats of each). Group A consisted of rats given 1 ml of normal saline and sacrifi ced after 6 h. Group B were rats given 20 mg/kg of indomethacin (n = 4) and sacrifi ced after 6 h. Group C consisted of four rats given 20 mg/kg of indomethacin (n = 4) and treated with aqueous extract of A. sativum (100 mg/kg) body weight, twice daily for 8 days and thereafter sacrificed (n = 4). Group D were given 20 mg/kg of indomethacin (n = 4) and then treated with aqueous extract of A. sativum (200 mg/kg) body weight, twice daily for 8 days and sacrifi ced (n = 4). Group E consisted of four rats given 20 mg/kg of indomethacin (n = 4) and treated with aqueous extract of A. sativum (300 mg/kg) body weight, twice daily for 8 days and sacrifi ced (n = 4). Group F consisted of four rats given 20 mg/kg of indomethacin (n = 4) and afterward treated with cimetidine (50 mg/kg) body weight twice daily for 8 days and sacrificed. Results: A. sativum exhibited better healing activities at 100 mg/kg dosage than 300 mg/kg while cimetidine produced fairly normal mucosa in the stomach and mild mucosa sloughing in the duodenum of the Wistar rats. The 200 mg/kg and the 300 mg/kg doses of A. sativum presented with similar results. Conclusion: Suffice to say that garlic extract is better than cimetidine in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer. Further studies into the antiulcer activity of A. sativum are advocated.

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) improves immunity and reduces the occurrence of enteroparasitic infections. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients on HAART in Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Blood and stool specimens were collected from 511 subjects including 411 HIV patients on HAART and 100 apparently healthy non-HIV individuals. The blood specimens were used to determine CD4 count and haemoglobin concentration, whereas the stool specimens were processed to detect intestinal parasites using standard techniques. Socio-demographic data were obtained with the aid of a questionnaire. Results: Entamoeba histolytica was the predominant parasites recovered generally and in both genders as well as being the only parasite that was associated with immunodeficiency as measured by CD4 count Conclusion: An overall prevalence of 14.4% of intestinal parasitic infections was observed among HIV patients on HAART in this study. Routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites among HIV patients on HAART is 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.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicines are now recently used as treatment options. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the combination therapy of medicinal herbs in the treatment of induced gastrointestinal injury among albino wistar rats.METHODS: A total of 60 Albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 130g-150g were used. The control groups which consisted of negative control groups received 1ml of normal saline while the positive control group was given 20mg/kg of indomethacin and sacrificed after 6 hours. Those in the test group were given 20mg/kg of indomethacin, treated in different doses of single and combined extracts of Allium sativum, Brassica oleracea and Aloe barbadensis at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg body weights, twice daily for 8 days and sacrificed.RESULTS: There was no visible sign of ulceration or perforation observed on the stomach and duodenum when compared with the control. The combination of all three plant extracts at different concentrations ranging from 100 – 300mg/kg cleared all visible ulcers and perforations on the stomach of wistar rats. Similarly, all ulcers in the duodenum of indomethacin induced wistar rats were cleared by the combination of the three extracts. The sections of rat stomach and duodenum given 100mg/kg herbal cocktail and indomethacin showed normal mucosa.CONCLUSIONS: A mixture of the three herbs at 300mg/kg was better in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers. The mixture of the three plants extracts exhibit good anti-ulcer activity that warrants further studies.KEYWORDS: Medicinal plants, gastrointestinal tract injury, wistar rats

Background: Malaria and HIV diseases kill millions of people yearly, and they are the scourges of developing nations. This study was conducted to determine the coinfections of malaria and HIV, and the effect of demographic characters on HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Five hundred and eleven participants consisting of 411 (51 males and 360 females) HIV-infected patients on HAART and 100 (8 males and 92 females) apparently healthy HIV-noninfected individuals who served as controls were enrolled in this study. Blood sample was collected from each participant and malaria was diagnosed using the standard procedure. Results: An overall prevalence of 7.8% and 2% of malarial infection was observed in HIV-infected patients on HAART and non-HIV participants, respectively. The prevalence of malaria among HIV patients on HAART differed signifi cantly (P Conclusion: Diagnosis of malaria among HIV patients on HAART is advocated.

Background: The accumulation of metals in the human system may inhibit or enhance the growth of pathogens, particularly parasitic infections. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among spare parts traders in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and two male traders were recruited for this study. The age of participants ranged from 20 to 67 years. Freshly voided stool specimen was obtained from each participant into clean wide-mouthed universal container. Intestinal parasites were diagnosed using microscopy. Results: An overall prevalence of 22.8% of intestinal parasitic infections was observed in this study. Age, marital status, and source of food significantly increased the risk of intestinal parasitic infections among spare parts traders. Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica, and Fasciola hepatica were the parasites observed in this study. In all age groups and those who eat from food vendors, A. lumbricoides was the most recovered parasite among spare parts traders. Conclusion: Further studies to elucidate the role of immunotoxic metals in intestinal parasitic infections, inclusion of economically productive age groups in the treatment plan, and improvement of personal hygiene are advocated.

Plasmodium falciparum infection is endemic in most tropical countries and will definitely infect Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients living in this region at one time or the other during the course of their infection. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria infection in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Benin City, Nigeria.A total of 285 (84 males and 201 females) adults attending the hospital were enrolled in this study between July 2010 and June 2011. Blood specimens were collected from each participant and processed for CD4 counts, P. falciparum detection and hemoglobin concentration using standard procedures. The software INSTAT (GraphPad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA) was used for all statistical analyses.A total of 6 (2.11%) out of 285 HIV infected patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral therapy (HAART) treatment had malaria and anemia. CD4 count200 cells/microl was significantly associated with P. falciparum infection with odd ratio estimate of 11.61 (95% CI: 2.06, 65.48; P0.004). Anemia was significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria infection among HIV patients on HAART with an odd ratio of 16.47 (95%: CI: 0.919, 295.5; P = 0.021).The study reveals a low prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among HIV patients on HAART. Measures to reduce malaria infection and anemia among HIV patients on HAART 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.

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.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 (χ(2)) test and logistic regression.A 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 (P0.001). Prevalence was also found to increase with age, and this correlation was significant (P0.001). 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.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: Enteric parasitic diseases are common in the developing counties and are of major health problem due to their high prevalence rate, and effect on both nutritional and immune status of the population. This study was conducted to determine enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 332 participants which consisted of 232 pregnant women and 100 nonpregnant adult females were recruited in this study. Blood and fecal specimens were obtained from each participant. The blood sample was analyzed for hemoglobin concentration and the fecal sample used for investigating intestinal parasites. Results: An overall prevalence of 2.2% of enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women was observed while no parasite was reported among the nonpregnant women. Age, not always washing hand, occupation, source of food and anemia were significantly associated with enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women. The enteric parasites recovered among pregnant women were Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. A. lumbricoides had a prevalence of 80% of enteric parasitic infection while hookworm had 20%. Conclusion: Measures to reduce the effect of enteric parasitic infections among pregnant women are advocated.

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.