In Nigeria, there is only very limited epidemiological information on which the control of human urinary schistosomiasis could be based. In a cross-sectional study, therefore, the prevalences and intensities of, and risk factors for, human infection with Schistosoma haematobium infection were explored in two endemic peri-urban villages in the south-western state of Osun. The villagers' knowledge about the infection and demographic, socio-economic and environmental variables were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Of the 1023 individuals who were investigated, 634 (62.0%) were found infected, with a mean (S.D.) overall intensity of 114.2 (327.7) eggs/10 ml urine. The subjects aged 10-14 years had both the highest prevalence (83.6%) and the highest mean (S.D.) intensity of infection [196.67 (411.7) eggs/10 ml urine]. Most (70.0%) of the subjects appeared to have no knowledge of the transmission of S. haematobium. The results of multivariate regression analysis indicated that infection and moderate-heavy infection (i.e. >50 eggs/10 ml urine) were both associated with: a low family income, of

BackgroundThe Community Directed Interventions (CDI) strategy has proven effective in increasing access to health services in sedentary populations. It remains to be seen if CDI strategy is feasible among nomads given the dearth of demographic and medical data on the nomads. This study thus characterized the nomadic populations in Enugu State, Nigeria and outlined the potentials of implementing CDI among nomads.Study design and methodsThis exploratory study adopted qualitative methods. Forty focus group discussions (FGD) were held with members of 10 nomadic camps in 2 LGAs in Enugu State, as well as their host communities. Thirty in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with leaders of nomadic camps and sedentary populations. Ten IDIs with traditional healers in the nomadic camps and 14 key informant interviews with health workers and programme officers were also conducted. Documents and maps were reviewed to ascertain the grazing routes of the nomads as well as existing health interventions in the area.ResultsLike sedentary populations, nomads have definable community structures with leaders and followers, which is amenable to implementation of CDI. Nomads move their cattle, in a definite pattern, in search of grass and water. In this movement, the old and vulnerable are left in the camps. The nomads suffer from immunization preventable health problems as their host communities. The priority health problems in relation to CDI include malaria, measles, anemia, and other vaccine preventable infections. However, unlike the sedentary populations, the nomads lack access to health interventions, due to the mutual avoidance between the nomads and the sedentary populations in terms of health services. The later consider the services as mainly theirs. The nomads, however, are desirous of the modern health services and often task themselves to access these modern health services in private for profit health facilities when the need arises.ConclusionGiven the definable organizational structure of the nomads in Enugu State and their desire for modern health intervention, it is feasible to test the CDI strategy for equitable healthcare delivery among nomads. They are willing and capable to participate actively in their own health programmes with minimal support from professional health workers.

A survey of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs (Canis familiaris) was conducted at Obollo-Afor and Ekwulobia markets, in Enugu and Anambra States, south-eastern Nigeria, respectively, to determine the patterns of infection among dogs in different parts of south-eastern Nigeria. Faecal samples collected, using long forceps, from every dog encountered in the markets between June 2007 and December 2008 were analysed by the Kato-Katz technique. Out of 413 dogs examined in both markets, 217 (52.6%) were infected with at least one of five parasites (Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Taenia spp. and Trichuris vulpis). Overall faecal egg intensity of infection was 49.9 ± 58.7 eggs/g (epg). The prevalence of infection was comparable between the markets and between the male and female dogs, but varied significantly (P < 0.05) by age, decreasing from 78.9% in pups to 36.0% in adult dogs. The mean intensity pattern was similar to that of prevalence, decreasing from 86.7 ± 63.0 epg in pups to 22.1 ± 34.4 in adults. The most important individual parasite infection was Ancylostoma spp. (39.2%; 30.0 ± 41.2 epg) while T. vulpis was the least important (1.9%; 0.7 ± 5.4 epg). Generally, prevalence and intensity patterns of each parasite were also comparable between the markets and between sexes, but significantly (P < 0.05) age-dependent. The implications of these findings to public health in Nigeria and other endemic countries are discussed in relation to options for cost-effective control design and implementation.

Background: Observations were made on the prevalence of onchocerciasis and Onchocercal Skin Diseases (OSD); frequency of occurrence and anatomical distribution of OSD in the Hawal River Valley, an established onchocerciasis endemic focus in north-eastern Nigeria.

Background:Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) have remained a major threat to humans, especially children in developing countries, including Nigeria. Interventions have always been geared towards school-aged children, neglecting preschool-aged children and occupational risk adults. The Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Advisory Committee (STHAC) recently suggested incorporating other at-risk groups.Objective:This study assessed the associated risk of STH infection among agrarian communities of Kogi State, Nigeria.Methods:A total of 310 individuals of all ages participated in the cross-sectional survey. Stool samples were analyzed using standard Kato-Katz method.Results:A total of 106 (34.2%) individuals were infected with at least one STH. Hookworm was the most prevalent (18.1%); followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (16.8%). Worm intensity was generally light. Prevalence of infection was similar between four age groups considered (preschool, school, ‘women of reproductive age’ and older at-risk group). Poor socio-economic status (SES) was a major risk for STH infection. Using a 20-asset based criteria, 68 (23.1%) and 73 (24.7%) of 295 questionnaire respondents were classified into first (poorest) and fifth (richest) wealth quintiles respectively. Risk of infection with STH was 60% significantly lower in the richest wealth quintile compared to the poorest (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.4843, 95% CI = 0.2704–0.8678, p = 0.015). Open defecators were more likely to harbour STH than those who did not (PR = 1.7878, 95% CI = 1.236–2.5846, p = 0.00201). Pit latrine and water closet toilets each approximately reduced STH infection by 50% (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Preventive chemotherapy for all age groups, health education and provision of basic amenities especially toilets are needed in order to achieve the goal toward the 2020 target of STH control.