Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Protozoans Infections Amongst Patients Attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Abstract

Background and Objective: Gastrointestinal protozoans are among the high prevalent parasitic diseases causing a high significant socioeconomic impact on the health status of most developing countries. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal protozoan infections in patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was hospital-based and carried out at the Bamenda Regional Hospital located in the Bamenda II subdivision. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to patients to collect demographic data (age, sex) and to determine their level of knowledge on gastrointestinal parasitic infections. A total of 100 stool specimens were collected from both male and female patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. The collected stool samples were analysed using the direct wet mount method. Results: The overall prevalence in this study was 10% with 4% of patients infected with Trichomonas hominis and the rest had 2% infection each with Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli and Iodamoeba butschlii. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the prevalence of men (10.42%) and women (9.62%). The prevalence among workers in the informal system (15.38%) was higher than among students (9.89%) and those in the formal system (0%). However, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.675). Illiterates (27.27%) and primary school subjects (27.58%) were more infected. Conclusion: Current study revealed an association between gastrointestinal parasitic infections and potential risk factors in participants. Non-compliance with hygienic rules exposes these participants to parasitic infection. However, it will be important to extend the study to other hospitals in the country.