Survey of nosocomial gastrointestinal protozoa infections among hospitalized patients of a tertiary and a secondary hospital in Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria

The hospital environment often become contaminated by infectious agents either through patients or sources. This cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted to survey the epidemiology of nosocomial gastrointestinal protozoa infections among hospitalized in a tertiary and secondary hospital, Awka, Anambra state. Stool samples were collected from 210 admitted analyzed using direct wet mount formol ether concentration technique. Demographic risk factor information gathered structured questionnaire. Data Pearson chi-square test Probability values ≤ 0.05 considered significant. From examined, 31(14.8%) contracted infections. Nosocomial infection recorded all two hospitals with (COOUTH) having highest prevalence 15.7% at an occurrence rate 80.6%. Female gender, 10-19years age, longer admission duration had more prevalent rates 16.2%, 28.6% 89.5% respectively. Also, paediatric ward, those only primary education who don’t always wash their hands before introducing any substance into mouth higher 20.0%, 25.0% 20.7% strongly associated stay hand washing habits P˂0.05. Among five parasites seen, Entamoeba histolytica most 18(58.1%). There is urgent need for improved health workers personal hygiene, sanitation, use safer medical practices stop spread infection.