SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOAN PARASITES AMONG CHILDREN WITH DIARRHOEA IN SOME SELECTED HOSPITALS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Intestinal protozoan parasites, notably Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia, are significant etiological agents of diarrhoea in children in low-resource settings. Accurate sero-epidemiological data are essential for understanding the burden and informing control strategies in north-eastern Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at three health facilities in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 500 diarrhoeic children were enrolled. Blood samples were collected and analysed using serological methods, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect E. histolytica and G. lamblia antigens. Data were analysed using chi-square with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The overall seroprevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 181(36.2%). Entamoeba histolytica was more prevalent, 112(22.4%), than Giardia lamblia, 69(13.8%). Prevalence varied significantly by health facility (p<0.0001), being highest at General Hospital Numan (50.0%). Higher seroprevalence positivity was recorded among females (38.5%) than males (34.0%). Also, in relation to age, children aged 5-12 years had a higher prevalence (37.0%), while the least was among 13 -17 years (29.2). Additionally, rural subjects had a higher prevalence (31.4%) than urban subjects (26.0). This study reveals a high seroprevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites (Entamoeba histolytica) among children with diarrhoea in the State. Public health interventions should prioritize improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure and integrating enhanced diagnostic capacity into routine surveillance to reduce the high burden of these infections.