The epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminth and XXXX in south-west Cameroon.

@entity1 @entity281 @entity2330 @entity9124 @entity12354 @entity461 @entity13857
A cross-sectional study of the prevalence, intensity and effects of soil-transmitted helminth and @entity12354 was undertaken among @entity1 at the Buea Hospital Annex located in Buea sub-division of Cameroon. Stool samples from 356 subjects (174 males and 182 females) were collected and processed using standard concentration methods. Our results showed that 31.0% of subjects were infected with intestinal helminths and the prevalence was higher in females (32.4%) than in males (30.5%). A significantly higher prevalence was observed in rural (47.2%) than in urban areas (21.0%); significance < 0.1%. Prevalence was highest among those aged between 6 and 12 years (41.4%). The total prevalence of @entity281 were 19.3% for @entity9124 , 14.0% for hookworm and 11.8% for @entity13857 . The intensity of @entity281 was unevenly distributed, with very heavy loads concentrated in a few individuals. Data also showed that 28.1% (100/356) of the subjects were infected with protozoans. Females showed a higher prevalence (28.6%; 52/182) than males (20.7%; 36/174). Also, there was a significantly higher prevalence in rural (34.0%; 49/144) than urban areas (18.4%; 39/212); significance < 0.1%. The age group 6-12 years again had a higher prevalence (37.1%; 26/70). The total prevalence of intestinal protozoans was: @entity2330 (24.4%), Entamoeba coli (11.2%) and @entity461 (0.6%). These relatively heavy prevalences in @entity1 may be reduced by appropriate medication and maintaining strict personal hygiene. Health education, clean water supply, good sewage management and a congenial environment will all help to minimize @entity281 .
