Co-Infection of Soil-Transmitted Helminthes and Chistosomiasis among Residents along River Benue Adamawa State, Nigeria
2Yaro, Mathew Birdling, 1Naphtali, Rebecca Salau, & 1Alo, Emmanuel Babatope
1Department of Zoology, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
2Department of Biology Adamawa State College of Education, Hong. Nigeria
Email: gmyarobirdling@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
A survey of 1,404 participants within age bracket 5–55 and above years old within 10 communities across 5 LGA along River Benue, Adamawa State were randomly selected to determine the distribution of
concomitant infection of Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis in the study area. An approval from the State Ministry of Health was received before the commencement of the study. Stool and
urine samples were collected and examined for eggs of Schistosomamansoni, S. haematobium, and STH.
Questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information and to quantify exposure to the predisposition factors. On total of 5.2% concurrent infection that was observed with regard to co-infection between soiltransmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis across the community Kanti had 20(11.5%) as the most affected community with co-infection, while Kabawa 2.0% had the least, meanwhile, Ribado, Hoki and Kwale had no co-infection. In relation to Local Government Area, it was recorded that, Gerei LGA was the highest 9.8% with least of 1.0% recorded in Lamurde LGA. Examining the distribution by month and season, July in wet,
and February in dry season had 11.1%, and 4.3% had the highest co-infection respectively, with no statistical difference (p>0.05). Age related prevalence showed that, age bracket 5-14 had 8.0% as the highest amongst
the age groups; moreover, males had 6.8% compare to female counterpart which was recorded with 3.2% and there was no significant differences. The distribution of co-infection was highest among Fishermen (8.0%)
and lowest among Civil servants 1.0% (p>0.05). Those fetching water from Streams/River were recorded with highest co-infection, while, those drinking from Borehole 1.4% had the lowest with no statistical difference
(p>0.05), finally, Prevalence of STH infection and Schistosomiasis were observed to be highest among nearby bush users 6.9% than the pit latrine users (3.4%) with significant difference (p<0.05).
Keywords: Co-Infection, Soil-transmitted Helminths, Schistosomiasis
