Assessment of the Level of Gastrointestinal Parasites Infection among Food Vendors in Minna, North Central Nigeria.

Aim: This study was undertaken to access the intestinal parasitic profile of food vendors in Minna Nigeria. Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Minna the capital of Niger state, North central Nigeria. Sample sizes were determined at random from the food vendors selling ready to eat food. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from the food vendors in Minna between June and December 2012. Methodology: Samples were assayed for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques. Results: This study showed that 104 samples out of 116 (89.66%) were positive for intestinal parasites; 70 samples (67.31%) represented single infections and 34 (32.69%) mixed infections. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were found in 11 (10.58%), Hookworm 10 (9.62%), Trichuris trichuira 4 (3.85%), Giardia duodenalis 15 (14.42%), Entamoeba histolytica 20 (19.23%), and Taenia saginata 10 (9.62%) respectively. A significant (p<0.05) prevalence was found in females 92 (88.46%) and in mean age of 31 – 40 years 34 (32.69%). Eggs and cysts of intestinal parasites were found more in the food samples such as Beans portage (15.50%), Stew (6.00%), Soup (15.50%), Rice (14.00%), Salad (20.00%), Spaghetti (12.50%) and Chinchin (20.00%) respectively. Conclusion: High prevalence of intestinal parasites in food vendors is a matter of great concern considering the effect which will lead to diseases outbreaks. The provision of food safety measures focusing on personal hygiene and periodical medical check-ups is highly advised.

Seroprevalence of Malaria and Hepatitis B (HBsAg) with Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in General Hospital Minna, North-Central Nigeria.

Aims: This study determines the antibody levels of Malaria and Hepatitis B and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending anti-natal Clinic at General Hospital Minna. Study Design: The subjects were pregnant women who attended ante-natal clinic. Sample sizes were determined from the number of pregnant women that attended antenatal Clinic. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from the ante-natal Clinic of General Hospital Minna between July to November 2011. Methodology: Samples were assayed for malaria and hepatitis B (HBsAg) by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Time and age of pregnancy were noted. Results: Out of the 269 pregnant women screened 216(80.30%) were positive for malaria, 22(8.18%) for hepatitis B and 21(7.81%) were co-infection of malaria and hepatitis B and 10 were negative, while non-pregnant women had 51(51.00%), 8(8.00%) and 6(6.00%) for malaria, hepatitis B and co-infection of both out of 100 screened. There was a significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women both in malaria and hepatitis B at p<0.05. History of blood transfusion, Alcohol consumption and Use of contraceptives were significantly associated with hepatitis B and co-infection of both hepatitis B and malaria at p<0.05. Only history of blood transfusion was associated with malaria infection though not significant. Conclusion: High prevalence of antibodies to malaria and hepatitis B is a matter of great concern considering the effect of these diseases on the foetus. Adequate measures need to be taken to treat and provide prophylactic measures.