Epidemological Studies on Some Microbial And Parasitic Infectious of Nomadic Fulani Herdsmen in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract Over the years, nomadic Fulani herdsmen have established different settlement camps outside the traditional villages of their indigenous host communities in Ebonyi State. With increasing concerns about the health condition of the nomads, this study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence and distribution of some microbial and parasitic infections amongst the spartially distributed population of the nomadic Fulani herdsmen in Ebonyi State. This investigation was carried out between June 2005 and June 2007 using standard bacteriological, mycological and parasitological techniques. In addition, the knowledge, attitudes and perception of Fulani herdsmen about microbial and parasitic infections was studied using questionnaires. Out of 1218 samples taken from 7 bush encampments, 677 (55.6%) had various bacterial organisms with Enterococcus spp (21.3%) and Nesseria spp (19.5%) being predominant followed by Enterobacter sp (14.6%) Staphylococci (10.6%) while the least was Acinetobacter sp (0.14%). Out of 280 persons examined for dermatophytes infections, 59(21.1%) were infected with ringworm of the scalp being most predominant. Although the prevalence varied amongst age and sex, both male and female within age bracket of 11- 15 years were significantly infected than other age categories (P