ABSTRACT
Of the 1,200 people surveyed for dracontiasis in Ribi and Kanje villages in Awe Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, 982 (82%) were infected. Most infections (98%) involved the lower limb. Worms emerging from the umbilicus, groin, palm, wrist, and upper arm were also encountered. Of the 982 infected persons 206 (21%) were totally incapacitated, 193 (20%) were seriously disabled, and 431 (44%) suffered mild incapacity, while 152 (16%) were unaffected. Of the 5 species of cyclopoid copepods found in their main water source, only Thermocyclops nigerianus and Mesocyclops aequatorialis harboured guineaworm larvae.
Subject(s)
Dracunculiasis/epidemiology , Dracunculiasis/physiopathology , Dracunculus Nematode/isolation & purification , Animals , Disabled Persons , Geography , Humans , Nigeria/epidemiology , Organ SpecificityABSTRACT
A study on the epidemiology of human taeniasis amongst the Goemai tribe of Kwande rural community of Qua'an Pan Local Government Area carried out between January and June, 1991 is reported. 115 or 11.5% of the 1,000 persons examined were infected. Of the 614 males and 386 females examined, 77 (12.5%) and 38 (9.9%) respectively had infections. No significant difference in prevalence rates was recorded between the sexes and age groups. Infection was significantly higher (P < 0.05) among farmers than other occupational categories, and in those eating half roasted/cooked meat than in persons eating well-cooked meat. Other epidemiological factors relating to type of toilet facilities used as well as some socio-cultural and traditional beliefs of Goemai people which encourage host-parasite contact and their implications for public health are discussed. Suggestions are made for the control of human taeniasis in the community.
Subject(s)
Taeniasis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Chi-Square Distribution , Child , Child, Preschool , Cooking , Female , Food Parasitology , Humans , Hygiene , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Meat , Middle Aged , Nigeria/epidemiology , Occupations , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Rural Population , Sex Distribution , Toilet FacilitiesABSTRACT
A total of 2048 urine specimens were examined to assess the infection prevalence and epidemiological factors of T. vaginalis amongst students in a Nigerian higher institution. Five hundred and five students were infected (24.7%). This included 131 (15.6%) males and 374 (31.0%) females. More male than female students were found to be asymptomatic. Infection was significantly higher in females than males and in the second and third than the fourth and fifth decades of life (P < 0.05). Infection increases progressively with increase in the number of sexual partners. The use and neglect of condoms were also assessed. The pH range of the vagina of most infected females was between 5.8-8.2. Clinical symptoms noted among females were local tenderness, vulval pruritus and intermittent burning sensations in addition to profuse vaginal discharges. The public health implication of the findings and some epidemiological factors enhancing the disease transmission are presented.
