European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AND POLYPARASITISM AMONG CHILDREN LESS THAN FIVE YEARS IN THE LOGBABA DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN DOUALA, CAMEROON

Fombotioh Ndifor*, Hamit Mahamat Alio, Abakar Idriss Lawane, Noukeu Ngoya Christelle, Issa Ramat Adam and Brahim Boy Otchom

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of intestinal parasites and polyparasitism was studied among children less than five years in the Logbaba District Hospital from July to October 2020. Stool and blood samples were collected from 200 children consisting of 100 males and 100 females consulted at the hospital. Stool samples were processed using direct wet smear and Lugol stain method. Thick malaria blood smear and thin smear were prepared using blood collected from finger tips of children. Parasites detected in stool and blood samples were Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Fungi and Plasmodium falciparum. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection in children was 80 (40%). From a total of 200 subjects studied, male children 44 (55%) were more infected than females 36 (45%). Children between 3 months to 1 year were the least infected 7 (28%). There was no significant difference between gender infection (P > 0.05). On the rate of occurrence of parasites in children, P. falciparum was the highest, 33 (41.25%). Parasitic infection was highest in childern who drank borehole water. High prevalence of Fungi was noticed in children 27 (57.44%). Polyparasitism was strongest between E. histolytica + Fungi 14 (31.11%) and least between E. histolytica + A. lumbricoides 2 (4.44%). Polyparasitism was highest among oldest subjects (P < 0.05). Impregnated mosquito nets greatly reduced malaria infection (P < 0.05). Intestinal parasite and polyparasitism represent a real public health problem among children in Douala. Health education, personal hygiene, proper sanitation, safe drinking water, clean environment and the use of mosquito nets should be encouraged in order to reduce the prevalence of parasitism.

Keywords: intestinal parasites, polyparasitism, children, Logbaba District Hospital, Douala.