Bacteriological Analysis of Infant Fecal Samples in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract: Recent studies have explored the implications of geophagy, particularly its impact on the gut microbiota, which is a complex community of microorganisms’ essential for digestion, metabolic function, and immune system development. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, and disruptions to this microbial community can lead to health concerns. Among the numerous microbial groups present in the gut, Firmicutes, a dominant bacterial phylum, are particularly important due to their role in fermenting dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which provide energy to the host and promote gut health. This study focused on the analyses of stool samples from infants that practice geophagy in the designated study area for the presence and prevalence of Bacillus firmicutes using cultural and biochemical methods. Stool samples were aseptically collected from infants aged 7 to 12 months using sterile, leak-proof containers. A total of two hundred (200) stool samples were collected from ten sampling locations, 20 samples per location in three IDP camps. Each sample was sealed and appropriately labeled. The samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis. The bacteriological analysis of stool samples showed that the overall prevalence of Bacillus spp in the study area was 65.5%. Two locations within Daudu camp 1 (DU1G and DU1E) recorded the highest prevalence (85% and 80% respectively) among children of ages 7-12 months while location 1 of the Daudu camp 1 (DU1A) had the lowest (35%). Prevalence was below the overall value at Daudu camp 2 but higher at Uikpam camp (75%). Among the three IDP camps, prevalence was highest at Uikpam (75%), followed by Daudu camp 1 (66.4%) and lowest at Daudu camp 2 (57.5%). The study concluded that, overall prevalence of Bacillus spp in infant stool samples at the IDP camps was 65.5%. This prevalence suggests a strong link between environmental exposure specifically soil ingestion and microbial colonization of the infant gut. Keywords: metabolic function, microbial community, health concerns, biochemical methods. Title: Bacteriological Analysis of Infant Fecal Samples in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria Author: Ihula D. H., Iheukwumere C. C., Ugbogu M., Olasan O. J. International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 547-553 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 09-August-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16785497 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/bacteriological-analysis-of-infant-fecal-samples-in-internally-displaced-persons-idp-camps-in-guma-local-government-area-benue-state-nigeria