Prevalence Of Entamoeba Histolytica Infection Among Students In Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State.

ABSTRACT

 This study was conducted from August to November 2008 on prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection among male and female students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State. A total of 250 students (117 males and 133 female) aged 17 years and above were selected randomly and studied. Examination was done using direct microscopy, out of the total students (250 students), 20 students were infected with overall prevalence of 8.0%. The age group 17-19, 20-22, 23-25 and 29 and 0 above years recorded low prevalence of 2%, 40/s, 4% 4% respectively. Infection was highest among the age group 26 - 28 years with 6% prevalence. More males were infected than the females (9.4O% and 6.77% respectively). Poor sanitary conditions emanating from eating fruits /non-veg food without washing properly, indiscriminate disposal of faecal samples, not washing hands properly after using the toilet are factors affecting the prevalence of Entameba histolytica infection. Therefore stringent approaches through health education, high level of environmental sanitation, personal hygiene and effective chemotherapy will be effective in eradicating the scourge of Entamoeba histolytica.