Distribution of Parasites Detected in Stool Samples of Patients in Makurdi, Benue State University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites in stool samples collected from patients attending the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, Benue State. A total of 450 samples were examined to assess parasitic infections across different demographic groups, categorized by age (children, adults, and elderly) and gender (male and female). Results revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitism, with 62.2% of samples testing positive for one or more parasites. The most frequently detected species were Ascaris lumbricoides (23.5%), Giardia lamblia (15.8%), and Entamoeba histolytica (10.9%). Statistically significant differences in parasite distribution were observed across both age and gender groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in the region.