Editorial: Tungiasis in the past and present: A dire need for intervention

No Abstract. Keywords: tungiasis, Tunga penetrans, neglected disease, control, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 28 (1) 2007: pp. 1-

Prevalence and intensity of geohelminths infection in Oba-Ile Community of Osun State, Nigeria

This study has determined the prevalence and intensity of geohelminth infections and the effect of some epidemiological factors on their distribution in Oba Ile, Osun State, Nigeria. The study was conducted between November 2004 and March 2005. Of 489 school children examined, 76.9% harboured Ascaris lumbricoides while 54.6% and 29.2% had hookworm and Trichuris trichiura respectively. The prevalence and intensity of all the three species of geohelminths significantly (

Prevalence of ectoparasite infestations in owned dogs in Kwara State, Nigeria

In Nigeria, dogs are the common companions in many households and, harbor wide range of ectoparasites of severe zoonotic potentials. A cross sectional survey was conducted to examine the prevalence, intensity and risk factors of ectoparasite infestation among the owned dogs in Kwara state, Nigeria. A total of 333 dogs were screened for ectoparasites, and questionnaires were applied to obtain information regarding; age, sex, breeds, coat colour and management practices by dog owners. Two hundred and seventy one (81.4%) dogs were infested with at least one species of ectoparasite and multiple infestations recorded mostly among the female dogs. Six species of ectoparasites of three taxa were identified: ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Haemaphysalis leachii and Amblyomma variegatum), fleas (Ctenocephalides canis and C. felis) and louse (Heterodoxus spiniger). R. sanguineus s.l. was the most prevalent (70.3%) followed by C. felis (42.1%) and H. spiniger (30.0%). Intensities of C. felis, H. spiniger and R. sanguineus s.l infestations were significantly higher in female and younger dogs (p < 0.001). Ectoparasites occurrence varied with breed and coat colour of host. A high prevalence of ectoparasite infestation recorded is at variance with the knowledge of dogs' owners in this study area. Therefore, intervention based on provision of veterinary clinics and prevention and management of parasite infestation in endemic area would mitigate the possible health hazard associated with the ectoparasitic infestation of dogs. Keywords: Ticks, Fleas, Lice, Dog, Epidemiology, Nigeri

Hookworm infections among the school-aged children in Okuta Community, Kwara State, Nigeria

Human hookworm infection, as an important soil transmitted helminth, affects both young and adult in most resource-poor communities in sub-tropical part of the developing world. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of hookworm infection in two secondary schools of Okuta, Baruten Local Government of Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 304 stool samples were screened parasitologically using Kato-Katz thick smear method. Data regarding socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors were obtained using pre-tested structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of hookworm infection was 17.8% with average intensity of 718.67 ± 160.86 epg. The prevalence and intensity of infection follows the same pattern, significantly related (p= 0.001) with the age of individual with peak of infection rate 25 years age-group and independent of sex (p =  0.995) with males (55.6%, 748.00  191.91) and females (44.4%, 682.00  103.27). The study observed that variables such as taking of anti-helminths drugs, parents’ occupation, age-group and source of drinking water were significant (p &lt; 0.05). Therefore, intervention measures such as chemotherapy, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and safe drinking water would help to ameliorate hookworm infection.Keywords: hookworm, Okuta, Kato-Katz, intensity, chemotherapy