Implications of soils around domestic water points in the spread of intestinal parasites in the city of Yaounde (Cameroon).

To determine the role of soils in dissemination of enteric protozoan cysts and intestinal eggs and/or larvae of helminths, a study was carried out on muddy soils around springs and wells of six districts in Yaounde, Cameroon from February to July 2015. Protozoan cysts and helminth eggs and larvae were observed microscopically after concentration by standard scientific methods. Flagellated enteric protozoa cysts were detected at an average density of 245 ± 145 cysts/L for Giardia intestinalis, 308 ±190 cysts/L for Chilomastix mesnili, 105 ± 106 cysts/L for Enteromonas hominis and 96 ± 118 cysts/L for Retortamonas intestinalis.

A population-based study of xerophthalmia in the extreme North Province of Cameroon, West Africa.

Objective: To obtain cross-sectional data on clinical and nutritional vitamin A deficiency from which to design appropriate intervention strategies.

Design: A population-based survey using multistage, cluster sampling.

Setting: Extreme North Province of Cameroon, West Africa.