TESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO Entamoeba histolytica IN TWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections with special reference to Entamoeba histolytica was conducted in fi and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, with a view to provide information for effective control ; fees for parasitic infections in the study-areas. Fresh stool samples were collected randomly from 275.individuals of both "aged 1-60 yearsjljh the two Local Government Areas. The samples were processed and examined for parasitological lence of infection:vising temporary wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. A total of 150 individuals 55%) were infected with at least one of 5 species of intestinal parasites: Entamoeba histolytica (24.73%), hookworm 09%), Entanibebtilcpli (9.45%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.55%) and Schistosoma mansoni (7.27%). Prevalence of infection . age-specific, highest in the 11-20 year-old-age-group with lowest prevalence in those aged above 50 years (33.46%). There ; decrease in infection rate with intestinal parasites with increase in age of volunteered participants, however, prevalence of ;clion between males and females was similar, males (54.36%) anjl females (54.76%). There were significant differences in valence of infection based on toilet types used by participants (X =4.49, df- 3, p < 0.05). Those participants using water ern had a prevalence of 44,44%, while pit latrinct^users recorded a prevalence of 65.74%. There were significant differences ifection prevalencfrin relation to occupation (X = 8.036, df=5,p< 0.05). Civil servant/farmers recorded (64.S6%) while ennen recorded (22.5SP/o), which was the lowest rate in occupational groups. Observations revealed indiscriminate defecation, lation and throwing of garbage into water bodies around houses, were common practices among the people, as well as ng fruits that werenVot properly washed. While, domestic animals mingled with human population at certain water points. i provision of regular safe water supply, good health-care services with affordable chemotherapy and introduction of health ication will go a long way to control and reduce morbidity in the study areas.