Abstract

Mung’ang’a EM., Kamau LM. and Maingi JM.

ABSTRACT

Background: Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of amoebiasis which is the third leading parasitic disease causing deaths in humans after malaria and schistosomiasis. Globally, it is responsible for 40,000 to 100,000 deaths annually. Objective: To determine the occurrence levels of E. histolytica infection among persons of various age groups attending Muthale mission and Kauwi sub-district hospitals in Kitui west district. Materials and methods: The study involved observation of clinical signs and symptoms as well as microscopic examination of E. histolytica trophozoites and cysts in stool samples from randomly selected individuals attending the two hospitals where 119 were males and 158 females. Formal-ether concentration technique was done for each sample that tested negative under direct smear and examined at low (20x) and high (40x) magnifications. The study collected data on personal hygiene and sanitation level as well as sources of water for domestic use and boiling habits of the residents by use of questionnaires. Data on level of sanitation and infection by E. histolytica in different sexes and age groups were analyzed using Mean square contingency coefficient, Cramer’s V and Chi-square. Results: The study revealed that 81 (29.2%) of the patients suffered from amoebiasis of which 10.8% were males while females were nearly double at 18.4%. The most affected age group was the under five years at 58.8% and the least infected was 26 to 35 years at 20.6%. River water had significant relationship with infection by Entamoeba histolytica. Washing of hands, fruits and vegetables had no significance since the water used was from unsafe sources highly likely to be contaminated with E. histolytica. Conclusion: Although over 90% of patients practised hygiene habits such as hand washing with soap and latrine use, these practices did not seem to reduce the infection. This could be attributed to use of unsafe water or poor storage leading to contamination. It was apparent that the lack of properly treated water neutralizes any effort by the residents using other hygienic practices. This is in agreement with previous research that 94% of the population in Kitui west district had no access to safe drinking water.