Authors

Discussion

Gastrointestinal parasites are endemic in Nigeria. Cases of asymptomatic infections also exist which maintains transmission of these parasites through ways which include vertical transmission. A total of five hundred and ten (510) stool samples were obtained from volunteer pregnant women attending anti-natal is some hospitals in Jos. they were analyzed using iodine and normal saline wet preparations as direct smears while saturated flotation and formol ether concentration methods were used. Pearsons's Chi-square test was used to compare infections in relation to age, trimesters, PCV and occupational groups. One hundred and sixty seven (32.7%) had single parasite infection, 32 (6.3%) were infected with two parasites while 3 (0.6%) had three parasites. The age groups >45 years had 3 (42.9%) infection, 16 - 25 years age groups had 35.8% and least infection was in the 26 - 35 years age group. infection across age groups showed no significant difference (c² = 2.4078, df = 3, P > 0.05). Those in the third trimesters had the highest infection (34.7%) and least in the first trimesters. Infection across trimesters showed no significant difference (c² = 0.31645, df = 2, P > 0.05). There was however significant difference in relation to PCV groups (c² = 35.559, df = 2, P < 0.0001) and occupational groups (c² = 16.738, df = 2, P = 0.0001). The highest infection was with Entamoeba histolytica, followed by Ascars lumbricoides and least with Strongiloides spp. Of those infected, 18 (10.78%) were bloody, 14 (8.38%) were watery, 6 (3.59%) were mucoid and 2 (1.20%) had fatty stool. There was significant difference (c² = 54.29, df = 6, P<0.0001) between parasites species pooled infection rates recorded in individuals. The result shows the need for routine screening of all pregnant women for gastrointestinal infection during anti-natal visits for treatment. Sensitization campaigns should be given to avoid habits that predispose to infection and effects.