Myiasis and its risk factors among children in parts of Enugu Nigeria
Keyword : Myiasis, Cordylobia anthropophaga, risk factors, awareness, Enugu-Nigeria
Author(s) : Oguejiofor, B.N And Ikpeze, O.O
Abstract : Myiasis is invasion of vertebrate tissues by larvae of dipterous flies. The environment of sub-Saharan Africa is favourable for the development myiasis flies. A health center-based cross-sectional study of myiasis and its risk factors among children in parts of Enugu, Nigeria was done between August and October 2019. Ethics and Research Committee Approval with reference number ESUTHP/C–MAC/RA/034/VOL.I/210 from Enugu State University Teaching Hospital was used for the study while informed consent was granted by parents of participants. Sample size of 102 was selected from registered 137 children presented at primary health centers during the study period. Arms, knees, thighs, and buttocks of children were examined for boil-like lesions, suggestive of myiasis infections. Cholesterol-free laser oil was applied to the lesions to allow for easy exit of larva for want of oxygen. Recovered larvae were killed by immersion for thirty seconds in hot water, and preserved in 70% ethanol solution. Length and width of larvae were subsequently measured in millimeters while entire surfaces were examined with hand lens for characteristic identification features specific for myiasis larvae. Data generated on location, gender, and age prevalence of infection and its associated risks were analyzed in MS Excel version 2013, using Bar Charts with Standard Error Bars indicating significant differences (p<0.05) between variables. Widths and lengths of recovered larvae measured between 4–5 mm and 12–15mmrespectively, and their anterior ends showed two characteristic black mouth-hooks characteristic of larvae of Cordylobia anthropophaga. Overall prevalence of myiasis was 5.9%, with highest prevalence (8.9%) recorded at Emene Health center, followed by Onuogba Health Centre (7.1%) and Akpuoga Health Centre (6.7%). There was no apparent infection in children presented at four other Health Centers. Generally, there was higher prevalence in boys (8.8%) than girls (3.5%). Also, highest prevalence in age-group of 13-20 years(14.3%) was followed by age-group of 7-12 years (8.1%) while those six years and below were not apparently infected. Thighs, buttocks and knees respectively accounted for about 50, 33.3, and 16.7% of recovered larvae. Children in peri-urban areas had higher prevalence (6.3%) than those in rural areas (5.1%). Open defecation, spreading clothing on ground, use of non-disposable infant diapers, and urine-wetted beddings were among observed risks for myiasis. It is therefore important that parents be made aware of myiasis and its risk factors to avoid outbreaks in the study area.