Blood and urinary parasites and associated risk factors in a rural community in Abia State, Nigeria

The environment, climate, social behaviour, and economic factors make developing countries vulnerable to parasitic infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted (Dec 2017-May 2018) to determine the prevalence of blood and urine parasites in Obizi, Amakama-Olokoro, a rural community in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. Blood and urine samples were collected from 284 respondents. Sample analyses were done using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and microscopy for blood and centrifugal sedimentation method for urine. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were collected with structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done using the Pearson’s Chi-square, with the PAST Statistical package. The results showed an overall blood parasitic prevalence of 32.4%. Plasmodium falciparum recorded the highest prevalence of 28.17% by RDT and 30.6% by microscopy. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense occurred as a mixed infection (1.8%). Schistosoma haematobium had a prevalence of 3.9%. Socio-demographic data showed there were more females (67.3%); more persons in the age group 61-70 years (31.0%) and more farmers (38.0%) in the studied population. More females were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (34.6%) while more males were infected with Schistosoma haematobium (8.6%) P. falciparum occurred in all the age groups. S. haematobium occurred only in three age groups with the highest prevalence found in the age group (11-20) years (26.9%). Malaria infection was higher in those who did not use ITNs (37.1%). Some reasons given for the non-usage of ITNs were high cost/non-availability and discomfort. Farming activities and swimming have been recognized as risk factors to the acquisition of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Schistosoma haematobium still pose a serious health threat to the community. Eliminating vector breeding sites, the use of ITNs and changes in social behaviours will help reduce blood and urinary parasites and ensure a healthier and economically viable community.