Authors: Okoh Felicia Ngozi, Ahaiwe Peace Oluebube, Amoke Ofoma Cornelius Okoroafor Kechukwu, Okafor, Collins Onyebuchi, Odikamnoro, Oliver Onyemaeze, Okoye, Ikem Chris
Abstract: Gastrointestinal and urogenital parasites are among the leading cause of parasitic infections in most part of sub-Saharan Africa and is common in States of Nigeria including Ebonyi. The objective of this study, which was done in Evangel University Akaeze, Ebonyi State, southeastern Nigeria, was to identify the burden of parasites among the students’ population with emphasis on intestinal and urogenital parasites. Four hundred students participated in the study. Stool samples were collected from 200(56 males and 144 females) and urine samples collected from another 200(24 males and 176 females) and examined microscopically. Analyses of the data obtained showed that of 200, 72(36%) had intestinal parasites, (p>0.05). Six different species of the intestinal parasites were prevalent among the study subjects and Ascaris lumbricoides 40(20%) was the most prevalent. Others were Teania spp 12(6%) Entamoeba histolytica 8(4%), Strongyloides stercoralis 4(2%), Fasciola spp 4(2%) and coinfection of Schistosoma mansoni and Teania sp 4(2%), Results of urine samples showed that out of 200, 56 (28%) students were infected by four species of urogenital parasites with Trichomonas vaginalis being the most prevalent 36 (18%), Schistosoma haematobium 8(4.0%), Enterobius vermicularis 4(2%) and Giardia lambilla infected 4(2%). Also 4(2%) of the sampled subjects had coinfection with Enterobius vermicularis and Schistosoma haematobium. The authors suggest that urogenital infection of the subjects by Giardia lamblia may have resulted from their practicing oral-genital sexual activity – anilingus (licking or kissing of the anus to produce sexual stimulation) or fellatio (oral stimulation of penis). Anal intercourse especially by homosexual students is also incriminated. Parasitic infections are still of public health challenge in Nigeria, especially among teenagers and young adults. Intervention by the concerned agencies is encouraged.
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