The Sero-Epidemiology and Risk Factors of E. histolytica Infection in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Amoebic infections is a prevalent infection in Nigeria. Currently, there is paucity of data on sero-epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica in calabar. This research investigated the sero-epidemiology and risk-factors of E. histolytica infection among dysentery patients presenting at general hospital calabar, Cross river.

Methods: The Sero-epidemiology of E. histolytica were determined in three hundred and eighty-one subjects in calabar, Cross river state using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. In addition, sero-prevalence association with the socio-demographic and risk factors of the subjects studied was investigated.

Results: Forty five (45) out of the three hundred and eight one (381) samples were positive for E.histolytica, 45(11.8%). Subjects in the age group 1-10 years had the

highest prevalence (32.8%).The research also discovered that E. histolytica infections was associated with age, educational status, occupational status, source of water, toilet facility, hand washing and contact with domestic animal/faecal matter(p<0.05).Females were more infected (13.5%) than male (9.9%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The infection rate was greater in the wet season (18.1%) than the dry season (4.9%). However, E. histolytica infection was statistically associated with season (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The sero prevalence of E. histolytica infection found in this study is moderate compared with those reported in other Nigeria populations. The data of E. histolytica sero-positivity found in the present study may be useful for the planning of optimal preventive measures against E. histolytica infection.