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Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is transmitted through several hosts with cats serving as its definitive host. Oocysts are released with cat faeces into the environment ( e.g. soil); an important medium in its transmission. The level of soil contamination with oocysts is an indicator of the level of on- going transmission. However, a dearth of information exists on the relationship between the presence of oocysts shedding cats and soil, and its importance in the transmission of T. gondii in Nigeria. In this study, the shedding proportion of T. gondii -like oocysts in cats and soil contamination levels were investigated in three communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Soil ( n = 204) and feral cat faecal samples ( n = 14) were examined for the presence of oocysts using a modified sucrose flotation technique. Cat sera ( n = 15) were also analysed for IgG antibodies to T. gondii by ELISA. T. gondii -like oocysts were identified in 21.4% (95% CI: 4.6–50.8) of the total cat faecal samples. The prevalence was 50% (95% CI: 6.7–93.3), 0% and 10% (95% CI: 0.3–44.5) in Akinyele, Laniba and Ajibode communities respectively. T. gondii IgG antibody was present in 86.7% of the screened cat sera (including the copropositive cats). The seroprevalence in cats was 75% in Akinyele, 0% Laniba and 90.9% for Ajibode community ( P >0.05). Oocysts were recovered from 1.5% (95% CI: 0.50–4.23) of the soil samples screened and were identified from 3.8% (95% CI: 0.13–10.58) of the soil collected in Akinyele community. Akinyele also recorded the highest number of infected cats. Oocysts were identified in soil from dumpsites 2.6% (95% CI: 0.4–13.2) and residential areas 1.9% (95% CI: 0.5–6.8). Soil contaminated with T. gondii -like oocysts and cats shedding oocysts were found in areas with high human activities within the communities. The presence of T. gondii -like oocysts in the soil and the presence of cats that tested positive to antibodies specific to T. gondii MIC 3 Protein suggested the possibility of T. gondii transmission in these communities and places emphasis on its public health importance in a susceptible population.

Dogs harbour a wide array of parasites and have been implicated in the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans. In a community-based cross-sectional study, 292 dogs and 241 dog owners were examined for parasites in urban and rural communities of Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information of dog owners and identify possible risk factors. Ectoparasites were collected from dog fur and preserved in 70% alcohol before identification. Freshly passed stools from dogs and their owners were collected and examined for intestinal parasites by modified sucrose floatation technique. Ectoparasites were present on 199 (68.2%) dogs, while 239 (81.8%) had intestinal parasites. Six ectoparasite species identified were Ctenocephalides canis (5.5%), C. felis (39.7%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (51.3%), Haemaphysalis leachii (48.9), Trichodectes canis (2.1%) and Linognathus spp (1.7%). Gastrointestinal parasites identified in dogs wereToxocara canis (55.8%), Ascaris spp (36%), Ancylostoma spp (40.1%), Trichuris spp (7.5%), Isospora spp (14.4%) and Toxascaris leonina (15.1%). Prevalence of gastrointestinal as well as ectoparasites were higher in rural communities with more mongrels infected compared to exotic breeds (p < 0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Trichuris spp were identified in 99 (41.1%) of the dog owners. There was a significant relationship (r=0.36, p < 0.001) between the prevalence of infection in dogs and their owners. Most (75%) of the dog owners were aware only of the possibility of contracting rabies but not other zoonotic parasitic infections from their dogs. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal and ectoparasites of dogs in these communities suggests a very high risk of parasite transmission among dogs, their owners and other inhabitants of the community. The need for intervention programs including regular anti-parasitic treatment of dogs and health education which emphasizes the dangers of zoonotic infections in these communities is imperative. Keywords: Dog owners, Ectoparasites, Gastrointestinal parasites, Urban and Rural dogs, Zoonoses

Intestinal helminthiasis associated with malnutrition in children remains endemic in developing countries despite considerable efforts at control. This study was carried out to determine the current prevalence status and the risk factors associated with intestinal helminth infections among primary school children in Ibadan. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 5-16 year old pupils, from 7 primary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State. Microscopic examination of stool for ova was carried out using a formol-ether concentration technique. Predisposing risk factors were determined from questionnaire data while anthropometric indices consisting of weight, height and age were the measured indicators of the nutritional status. Of the 485 pupils examined, 187(38.6%) had helminth infections and the parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (35.9%), Strongyloides stercoralis (12.4%), hookworm (8.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (4.9%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.4%). More male pupils (52.9%, p = 0.05) than females (47.1%) had infections. Pupils aged between 9-12 years (p = 0.02) had highest (49.2%) infection rates. Infections were recorded in 13(18.57%) of 70 pupils treated with levamisole by the local health centres 2 weeks prior to this study. Wearing of footwear, parent’s occupation, drinking water sources, family size and toilet type were risk factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with infection in this study. The  overall prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 24.4%, 28.8% and 7.8% respectively, there was however, no statistical relationship (p>0.05) between the prevalence of infection and malnutrition. Intestinal helminthiasis is still prevalent in schoolchildren despite targeted  chemotherapy. It is therefore suggested that chemotherapy should include all children in the communities along with continuous enlightenment to ensure the disruption of parasite transmission. Keywords: Intestinal helminths; school children; malnutrition; Ibadan; chemotherapy.