Gastrointestinal Parasites in Children and Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Agbarho, Delta State, Nigeria: Prevalence, Intensity, and Seasonal Distribution

2026-08-03T09:37:45+08:00

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health challenge in resource-limited settings, particularly in communities where humans and domestic animals share environments that facilitate parasite transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection intensity, and seasonal distribution of intestinal parasites among children and dogs in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving the examination of 200 stool samples from children and 186 fecal samples from dogs using standard parasitological techniques. Among children, 226 parasite infections were recorded because of co-infections, with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most prevalent species (57.9%), followed by Entamoeba coli (24.7%), Entamoeba histolytica (9.7%), Trichuris trichiura (7.0%), and Giardia duodenalis (0.4%). Among dogs, 357 parasite detections were recorded, predominantly comprising Trichuris vulpis (74.7%), Toxocara canis (59.6%), and Ancylostoma caninum (57.5%). Infection intensity was highest for A. lumbricoides in children (22.56 ± 20.23 eggs per gram [EPG]) and T. canis in dogs (38.02 ± 29.25 EPG). Parasite prevalence was higher during the wet season, with transmission peaking between July and August. However, statistical analyses revealed no significant associations among the parasite species examined (p > .05). These findings demonstrate a substantial burden of intestinal parasitic infections, indicating extensive environmental contamination and potential zoonotic overlap between children and dogs. Integrated control measures combining mass deworming, improved sanitation, health education, and coordinated One Health interventions are therefore essential to reduce transmission and the associated disease burden.

Toxicological and Biosafety Evaluation of Polyherbal Tea Formulation

2026-08-03T10:00:58+08:00

The safety evaluation of herbal formulations is essential for establishing their suitability for therapeutic development and use. This study assessed the acute and subacute toxicity profiles of a polyherbal tea formulated from Ageratum conyzoides, Azanza garckeana, Anthocleista djalonensis, Allium sativum, and Zingiber officinale. Acute toxicity was evaluated in mice using a modified Lorke’s method, whereas subacute toxicity was assessed in albino rats administered the formulation at doses of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg according to a standard protocol. No mortality occurred at 10 g/kg; therefore, the median lethal dose could not be determined. The formulation significantly increased body weight at all tested doses compared with the control group (p < .05). It reduced the spleen-to-body weight ratio (p < .05) but produced no significant changes in the relative weights of the heart, liver, kidneys, or lungs (p > .05). At 0.5 g/kg, haemoglobin concentration and platelet count decreased significantly (p < .05), whereas the remaining haematological parameters were unchanged. Alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased significantly at all tested doses (p < .05). Aspartate aminotransferase and albumin levels decreased at 0.5 g/kg, while alanine aminotransferase decreased at 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg (p < .05); all other biochemical parameters remained stable. Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture of the kidneys, heart, lungs, and spleen, although hepatic steatosis was observed. Overall, the formulation demonstrated a high acute tolerance and limited subacute alterations at the tested doses. However, the reductions in haemoglobin and platelet counts and the presence of hepatic steatosis indicate that its biosafety profile should be interpreted cautiously. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the toxicological characterisation of the polyherbal tea and support further dose-dependent and long-term safety investigations.

Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Children and Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Agbarho, Delta State, Nigeria: Prevalence, Intensity, and Seasonal Distribution

Toxicological and Biosafety Evaluation of Polyherbal Tea Formulation