Prevalence of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica Among Children Under Five in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Protozoan intestinal infections caused by Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica remain significant contributors to diarrhoeal disease and malnutrition among children under five in low-income settings. This study investigates the prevalence of these parasites among under-five children attending primary healthcare centres in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in three local government areas selected to represent urban, peri-urban, and rural settings within the state. Fresh stool samples from 280 children were processed using direct wet mount, formal-ether concentration, and Lugol's iodine staining techniques. Sociodemographic information, breastfeeding history, water source, toilet facility type, and handwashing practices were obtained from mothers or caregivers via structured interviews. Current evidence from 2021 to 2024 suggests that open defecation and reliance on unimproved water sources in Sokoto State continue to facilitate faeco-oral transmission of intestinal protozoa. The study is designed to generate infection rates stratified by age, sex, nutritional status, and environmental sanitation indicators. Findings are expected to highlight modifiable risk factors amenable to community-level interventions. Results will inform local government health departments and the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on priority areas for integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene programming. This work contributes to the national agenda for reducing child diarrhoeal morbidity in Nigeria's northwestern states. Keywords: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, children under five, Sokoto State, intestinal protozoa.