Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Inmates in the Bamenda Central Prison, North West Region of Cameroon
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2016, Vol 17, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites of inmates in the Bamenda Central Prison, Mezam Division, North West Region of Cameroon. Methods: Three hundred and ninety three (385 males and 8 females) inmates aged 16 to 84 years were physically examined in 14 Cells in the prison between September 2014 and February 2015. Inmates age 16 years old were examined in their Juvenile Cell. Results: Of the 393 inmates physically examined, 335 (85.24%) were positive for one or more ectoparasites. From the results obtained, lice showed the highest prevalence of 76.33% while jiggers were the least with a prevalence of 2.29%. Out of the 385 males examined, 336 (85.49%) had ectoparasites while amongst females, only two were suffering from ectoparasites. The trend of infestation for these ectoparasites was relatively high. Multiple infestations were more common than single infestations with the adult inmates more infested than the younger ones. Conclusion: These results showed that ectoparasites vary in relation to different Prison Cells and age of the inmates. There should therefore be need to educate the prison population on hygienic habits, reduce overcrowding amongst inmates, in order to fight effectively against these diseases in the Prison Community.
Authors and Affiliations
Vincent K. Payne, Mbong E. Malla, Cedric Yamssi, Romeo N. Ghislain, Lontuo F. Robertine, Leonelle Megwi, N. Etung Kollins, Aime T. Ngouateu, Mpoame Mbida
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP329122
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2016/23122
- Views 103
- Downloads 0
How do Metronidazole Drawbacks Impact Patient Compliance and Therapeutic Outcomes in Treating Amoebiasis in Rwanda
Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease with significant public health concerns in the Tropics. Metronidazole which is the first line most common prescribed medicine has shown a number of side effects difficult to tolerate by...
Socio-demographic and Environmental Factors Affecting the Prevalence and Spread of Tuberculosis in South West Region of Cameroon
Aims: To carry out a household based study in the South West Region of Cameroon to evaluate the effects of selected environmental and social factors affecting the prevalence and spread of tuberculosis. Study Design: This...
Molecular Identification of Plasmodium Species in Malaria in Zimbabwe by Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing
Aim: To identify the Plasmodium species circulating in Zimbabwe. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place of Study: The study was conducted at three malaria referral hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe from January to May 20...
Hookworm Infestations among Pregnant Teenagers in Bungoma County, Kenya
Hookworm infection (Ancylostomiasis) and its association with hematopoietic micronutrient deficiency, contributes significantly to anaemia in poor countries. In these countries, teenage pregnancy is a major health proble...
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage after Vaginal Deliveries in the Bonassama District Hospital, Cameroon
Background: Approximately 800 women die from pregnancy-related conditions daily with 99% of these maternal deaths occurring in low resource countries. Primary postpartum haemorrhage accounts for 25.7% of maternal deaths...