Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Intestinal Parasites Prevalence in Patients Attending Health Facilities in Anambra State, Nigeria
Evelyn N. Ekekwe
Department of Medical Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Clara I. Eleazar *
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Ify O. EmmyEgbe
Department of Biological Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odemegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Nkeiruka M. Orji
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odemegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Veronica N. Emenuga
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health problem in developing countries, especially among children, with limited data on their prevalence in Nigeria using both microscopy and molecular diagnostic methods.
Aims: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI’s) constitute a global health burden in the developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in two locations using microscopy and molecular techniques. The detection efficiency of the two methods was also compared.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2023 on 1440 participants, comprising 724 males and 716 females of ages between 10 and 60 years.
Methodology: The study was carried out among subjects attending clinics and health facilities in two cities/ locations. The locations consisted of Awka and Onitsha Metropolis, both in Anambra State of Nigeria. Preliminary macroscopic examination was carried out to determine the color, consistency as well as the presence of blood, mucus, pus and adult worms in the stool sample. In microscopic examination, normal saline/iodine wet mount and the formol-ether concentration method was used in stool preparations to identify the parasites. In molecular technique, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction was carried out QIAamp PowerFecal Pro DNA Kit (QB).
Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 33.3% and 46.0% using microscopy and PCR, respectively. The protozoans identified were Giardia lamblia (11.3%, 12.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.8%, 11.8%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (8.3%, 10.0%). The helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (24.2%, 21.4%), hookworm (21.3%, 19.2%), Trichuris trichuria (19.6%, 18.2%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (4.6%, 7.4%). Gender was not a significant factor, but age was significant (p=.001).
Conclusions: Prevalence of intestinal parasites infections was moderately high in the two study areas. Periodic screening, treatment of children, and public enlightenment with emphasis on personal hygiene and a clean environment are advocated.
Keywords: Intestinal parasites, prevalence, stool samples, Microscopy, molecular detection, health