title: Epidemiology of paragonimiasis in Cross River basin, Nigeria: prevalence and intensity of infection due to Paragonimus uterobilateralis in Yakurr local government area.
abstract: Prevalence and intensity of paragonimiasis among inhabitants of the Yakurr Local Government Area in the Cross River basin of Nigeria is reported. Diagnosis was based on a single sample detection of eggs of Paragonimus in 5 ml of sputum. 12.27% out of 880 subjects were infected. The infections were due to Paragonimus uterobilateralis. Prevalence of the infection increased with age, up to a peak prevalence of 23.75% (19 out of 108) among subjects between the ages of 17-22 y old. Thereafter, it declined progressively with increase in age to much lower values such that by the age of 53-58 y old, infection had fallen by more than 75%. Prevalence of the infection was significantly higher among females, 13.80% (58 out of 108), than males 11.36% (50 out of 108) (P < 0.009). Intensity of infection (eggs/5 ml sputum) ranged from 12-123 eggs/5 ml.sputum, with subjects between the ages of 17-22 y old being the most heavily infected group. Prevalence and intensity of the infection were positively correlated (P < 0.497). The need for control measures to reduce human suffering due to infections in the area, particularly among women and children is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
authors.forename: F O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Arene
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ibanga
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Asor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008174:Lung Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010237:Paragonimiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010238:Paragonimus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015995:Prevalence; D013183:Sputum / Q000469:parasitology