| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 13
| Issue : 1 | Page : 56-61 |
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Prevalence and pattern of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pregnant women in a tertiary health facility, southeast Nigeria
Ikechukwu B O Dimejesi1, Odidika U J Umeora1, Vincent Emeka Egwuatu2
1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
2 Enugu State University, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Ikechukwu B O Dimejesi
PO Box 980. Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2384-5589.139445
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Context: Pregnant women in resource-scarce countries are vulnerable to helminthic infestation. Aims and Objectives: to document the prevalence and pattern of soil-transmitted helminthic infestation among booked expectant mothers in this region. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Pregnant women who were counseled and consented to the study were randomly recruited at the booking clinic. They were interviewed and had their blood and stool specimens collected for laboratory analysis. Data was analysed using epi info statistical package version 3.4.1. Result: One hundred and thirty one (32.4%) stool samples out of the four hundred and four samples yielded positive results. The helminth species isolated included Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichuria, Strongyloides stercoralis and Enterobius vermicularis. Ascaris lumbricoides (65.6%) was the most prevalent. Two women (1.5%) had mixed infections. Though the intensity of infection was generally low. Conclusion: Antenartal clinic attendees in Abakaliki have some degree of helminthic infestation, routine deworming during the prenatal period is advocated. |
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