A Survey of Nematode Infection in Oreochromis niloticus (L.) (Teleostei: Cichlidae) in Lake Kyoga, Uganda

The incidence and intensity of nematode infection was investigated in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from Lake Kyoga, Uganda and 11% of the 406 fish examined were parasitized by nematodes of the genus Contracaecum. The prevalence of these parasites was greatest in the smallest and largest size classes, but this may reflect their small sample sizes. The prevalence of Contracaecum was similar to that in tilapias from a reservoir in India but much lower than in fish from South Africa and Ethiopia.

Intestinal helminths in Luweero district, Uganda

Background: Intestinal helminthiasis is a debilitating parasitic disease found in many parts of Uganda including Luweero district. In the district, the disease causes as high as 9% morbidity in children below five years. There was very scanty district information on the disease based mainly on hospital records despite this figure. The current study was carried out to provide data to plan for its effective control. Objective: To investigate risk factors that promote helminth infections among children under five years of age in Luweero district. Methods: Stool samples from 727 children were examined for presence of helminth ova using Kato-Katz technique. The subjects' parents or guardians were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to establish their demographic, social-cultural characteristics; information on water accessibility and usage; child toileting practices and knowledge about helminthiasis. Results: Risk factors strongly associated with helminth infections included methods of anal cleaning, how compounds and latrines were maintained, keeping of pigs and age of the subjects, (

Design and implementation of participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation (PHAST) as a strategy to control soil-transmitted helminth infections in Luweero, Uganda

BACKGROUND: The study is a continuation of a research carried out in Luweero district in Uganda1. It investigated whether PHAST was a suitable tool for reducing transmission of soil transmitted helminths. PHAST means Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation; a participatory approach that uses visual tools to stimulate the participation of people in promotion of improved hygiene and sanitation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of PHAST on intestinal helminth transmission in children under five years. METHODS: Three phases namely; (1) Baseline survey (2) PHAST intervention (3) Follow up were conducted. During Phase 1, the subjects' stool samples were examined for presence of helminthic ova and questionnaires administered. In Phase 2, PHAST was conducted only in experimental villages. All subjects in the experimental and control villages were treated thrice with Albendazole. During Phase 3, all steps of Phase 1 were repeated. RESULTS: There was an overall reduction in the prevalence of children infected with helminths after PHAST intervention. Also, comparison of pre-intervention and post-intervention multivariate results indicates that the likelihood of children getting infected with helminths reduced in most of the experimented variables. CONCLUSION: Health stakeholders should utilize PHAST approach to sensitize communities on the importance of hygiene to curb soil-transmitted helminth infections