Parasitological and Molecular Studies of Intestinal Helminths among Women in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

The parasitological and molecular studies of intestinal helminth among women in Obi and Oju LGAs, Benue State were investigated. Stool samples were  analysed using the formal-ether concentration technique for the detection of parasites. Well-structured questionnaires were used to elicit socio-  demographic data as well as knowledge of the women towards helminth infection. Representative samples were afterwards processed molecularly using  PCR technology. The parasites recovered were Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp., Trichuris  trichiura and Trichomonas vaginalis. An overall prevalence of 9.93% was obtained for helminth infection. Women within the age group of 15-20 years  recorded the highest prevalence (27.77%). Civil servants and single women recorded the highest infection rates (19.52% and 23.82% respectively) while in  terms of education, those with no formal education recorded the highest rate of infection (27.52%). Furthermore, the majority of the women were  unaware of intestinal helminths and the specific types (85.53%). There was also a significant relationship between education, age, and rate of infection  (P<0.05). It was therefore concluded that helminth infection among women in Oju and Obi LGAis comparatively low. The amplification of genes confirms  the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica. The  detection of T. vaginalis by the polymerase chain reaction buttresses the sensitivity of PCR as a diagnostic tool. There is a need for enlightenment  campaigns against helminth infections in Oju and Obi. Efforts of the government are needed to ensure the provision of efficient molecular facilities for  accurate diagnosis of infection.