Community burden of intestinal parasites and its public health concerns in Obizi, Amakama Olokoro, Umuahia South, Abia State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. This could be due to the dominance of factors such as poverty, poor hygiene, and the absence of basic infrastructures. The migration of people from parasite endemic regions due to insecurity has caused public health concerns. This study was conducted to ascertain the community burden of intestinal parasitic infections in a rural community South-east Nigeria. Formol-ether concentration technique was used in analyzing feacal samples, data analysis involved frequency and distribution statistics, the PAST statistical software was used to determine statistical significance. Results from the study showed that out of 284 respondents 96 (33.8%) were infected. Parasites observed were Ascaris lumbricoides (15.5%), Hookworm (3.9%), Taenia saginata (3.5%), Schistosoma mansoni (4.2%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.1%), Trichuris trichura (1.4%), Chilomastix mensnili (1.8%), Balatidium coli (1.1%), Fasciola hepatica (0.7%) and Entamoeba coli (0.7%). Mixed infections occurred. The combination of Hookworm and Taenia saginata occurred the most (1.8%). Females had the highest rate of infection (40.3%), also the age group (11–20) years (92.9%). Students had the highest prevalence (50.9%). Fever, Fatigue, blood in stool, and diarrhoea were the signs/symptoms of ill health reported. This study has revealed a community burden of intestinal parasites, which is of great public health concern. Public enlightenment and deworming through mass drug administration are recommended.