Prevalence and risk factors associated with Entamoeba Sp. and hookworm infections among vulnerable people attending clinics within Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Parasitic infections continue to be a major challenge to the world’s health institutions. These infections have remained a major health hazard with more endemicity where poor sanitation, personal hygiene and general ignorance of the diseases are known to enhance spread.  The study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors associated with Entamoeba Sp. and hookworm infections among vulnerable persons in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional study in which vulnerable patients who presented in different hospitals and health care centers in the study area were recruited for the study. A total of 384 stool samples were collected and examined from patients attending different medical facilities. Direct wet mount and Formalin-Ether Concentration Techniques (FECT) were adopted. Data were entered and cleaned on excel sheet. Prevalence of parasitic infections were calculated in percentage while data analysis was done using Chi-square on SPSS version 20. Values were considered significant at P≤0.05. Prevalence for both Entamoeba Sp and hookworm infection was 67(17.45 %). Female subjects showed higher prevalence for Entamoeba Sp and hookworm infection, However, the difference was not significant (P>0.05).  Vulnerability related prevalence of infection revealed the highest case of hookworm infection among the aged with HIV 5(38.46%) and Entamoeba Sp among Children with HIV 1 (33.33%). Location related prevalence showed that the infection rate in Apir/Wadata was highest 18(33.96%) for both parasites (P>0.05). Infection was independent of water source although those who used rain water recorded higher infections. This was also the case for the relationship between infection and toilet types with those who used open field recording higher infections. Higher prevalence of infection was observed in subjects who had primary education only for both parasites. 41 (19.25%) who reported that they sometimes wash fruits/vegetables before consumption was infected also, 46 (18.90%) subjects who reported that they eat at home were positive. Therefore, this study calls for better personal hygienic living and improved environmental sanitation in the metropolis.