Prevalence of <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> among selected children in Mararaba community Lafia, Nasarawa State

Ameobiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which is a serious problem especially in developing countries and ranks third among the parasitic infections that lead to death mostly in young age children. Poor environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, awareness and overcrowding as well as ignorance are some of the major factors that influence the high incidence and prevalence of E. histolytica in these regions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of E. histolytica among selected children in Mararaba community Lafia, Nasarawa State. One hundred and forty (140) stool samples were examined for the cysts and/or trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica using the direct smear, iodine and saturated sodium salt solution concentration techniques. There were 67 (47.9%) females and 73 (52.1%) males. For majority of participants, 134 (95.7%) the source of drinking water was from wells, 5 (3.6%) from tap while only one representing 0.7% of the study population drink water from a borehole. One hundred and twenty participants (85.7%) engage in open defecation, 12 (8.6%) use pit latrines while the other 8 (5.7%) make use of flush toilet. Parasites were seen in stool samples of 39 (27.9%) of participants, 89.7% of whom engage in open defecation. The highest prevalence of 27.9% was recorded among children in Mararaba community. In conclusion, this study has contributed to the epidemiological survey of ameobiasis in Mararaba community, Lafia, Nasarawa state of Nigeria. As it shows a high prevalence of E. histolytica among children 1 to 5 years of age, This high prevalence is associated with environmental, behavioral and socio-economic factors like poor personal hygiene, open defecation, sources of drinking water and lack of awareness