Abstract

A study was carried out on the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in children of ages between 1 to 5 years in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja. Stool samples of the study population were analysed using saline and iodine methods. Of the one hundred and thirty eight (138) children sampled, 42(30.4%) were infected, while the proportions of the infected children were highest within the age cohort of 3 to 4 years 17(53.3%; OR = 1.31), followed by 4+ - 5 years (52.5%, OR = 1.12) and 1-2 years had 5.9% (OR = 0.13). More males 27(37.0%) had the infection than their female counterparts, 15(23.0%). The prevalence of E. histolytica showed significant relationship (OR = 1.4) with socio-economic status and source of drinking water in the council area. The Government should pursue deworming exercise alongside that of E. histolytica and other protozoan infections. Effective and functional toilets and water closets should be provided to the families, villages, communities and council to help minimize the spread of the infections, especially that of E. histolytica.