Author(s)

Catherine Fusi-Ngwa, Eveline Besong, Josué Wabo Pone^*, Mpoame Mbida

Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.

Background: There is a paucity of knowledge on the epidemiology of parasitic diseases which remain rampant in the Dschang municipality. Three communities around Dschang town—Ngui (slummy), Paidground (heterogeneous) and the Administrative Quarter-AQ (wealthy) were investigated to highlight the aetiology of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in children in order to enhance health policy intervention priorities. Methods: Between July and November 2009, 31 stools amples were collected from children aged six months to 18 years (mean 9 years) in 295 house-holds across the three communities. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, source of water supply, de-worming practice and treatment history. Stool samples were screened for ova/larvae of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount, brine floatation and formol-ether sedimentation methods. Results from stool tests and information obtained from questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS. Results: In total, 223 (26.8%) children had single (19.9%) and multiple (7%) infections from seven parasites: the overall prevalence was 34.7%; helminthes 19.3% and protozoa 15.4% (χ² = 4.3, P < 0.0380); corresponding to Entamoeba histolytica 8.8%, Ascaris lumbricoides 7.5%, Trichuris trichiura 6.8%, Entamoeba coli (5.8%), hookworm 4.6%, Giardia lamblia 0.8% and Vampirolepis (Syn: Hymenolepis) nana 0.4%. Infections were more severe and rates significantly higher in Ngui (45.9%, χ² = 86.83, P < 0.0001) than in the AQ (17.7%) and Paidground (16.7%), and in the oldest children above 15 years (55.3%, χ² = 111.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Regular sustained synchronized deworming alongside antiprotozoaics, periodic diSagnostics for all children and slummed residents which lend to intestinal protozoa; sanitary inspection of homes and water supplies; adequate drainage and community wastes disposal; and prevention education on hygiene, sanitation, safe water and health were desirable.

Intestinal Parasites, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Mitigation, Children, Cameroon

Fusi-Ngwa, C. , Besong, E. , Pone, J. and Mbida, M. (2014) A Cross-Sectional Study of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children in Ghettoed, Diverse and Affluent Communities in Dschang, West Region, Cameroon. Open Access Library Journal, 1, 1-14. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1101081.