Prevalence of Giardia lamblia among rural farmers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State

Background: Giardia lamblia is a common cause of diarrheal disease in Nigeria. It is a highly infectious protozoan parasite capable of causing gastrointestinal illness in humans. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Giardia lamblia and its correlation with demographic characteristics among farmers in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Method: This study was carried out between March to June, 2016. Formal ether concentration technique was applied to determine the presence of cysts and trophozoites of Giardia lamblia in 150 stool samples. After obtaining informed consent and Ethical clearance, questionnaires were administered to obtain information on age and sociodemographic data. Results: A total of 150 numbers of samples were used out of which Iguole community had a prevalence rate of 20(71.4%) while Isi community had a prevalence of 8(28.6%). The result also showed that, the prevalence of giardiasis was higher in males 17(60.7%) than females 11(39.3%). Age-related prevalence showed 4(28.6%) for farmers ≥40 years, 13(26.0) for 11-20 years of age, followed by 4(21.1%) for ≤10 years age group. Sex and Age infection rate when related showed no statistical significant difference (P>0.05). Stream/River had the higher prevalence rate 24(85.7%) but did not strongly affect the prevalence of giardiasis (P>0.05). Socio-economic factors such as education, toilet facilities and washing of hands and fruits were not significantly (P>0.05) associated with the observed prevalence. Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of Giardia lamblia was higher among farmers of different ages. Hence there was need for government intervention program for sustainable elimination of this parasitic disease