Studies on Salmonella infection among undergraduate students of Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria was carried out to determine proportion and relationships between infections of Salmonella infection with demographic characteristic and toilet hygiene practice. This was done using a non-invasive standard bacteriological technique involving stool culture and biochemical identification of isolates. Chi square analysis and Spearmans correlation were used to test for independence and degree of relationship. Percentage was used to determine proportion. The result showed Salmonella infection had a proportion of 36.89%.The predominant Salmonella species isolated was Salmonella typhimnrium. The disease showed a dependence (P>0.05) on toilet hygiene and demographic characteristics of the students (p<0.05). Females had more proportion of the disease than males. Infection of Salmonella increased with higher class level of the students. There was a higher proportion of Salmonella infection among the 18-21 years age range. Improved pit was found to be associated with low proportion of disease. Water cistern with manual lever was associated with Salmonella infection whereas hand washing in addition to use of hand sanitizers showed association with low proportion of Salmonella infection. It is therefore necessary to provide awareness on the harmful effects of enteric pathogens as well as encourage early diagnosis. Non-invasive method of diagnosis can be used for mass screening for salmonellosis especially in Nigeria where invasive methods are not widely accepted. The provision of basic amenities, cafeterias that offer affordable services and meet adequate hygiene, in school premises should not be neglected.

Author Name: Udujih H. I., Ibe S.N.O., Udujih O.G., Iwuala C.C., Edward U.C., and Kenechukwudozie Q.O.

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Keywords: Salmonella, Intestinal Helminth Infection, Undergraduate Students, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria.

ISSN: 2360-9311

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EOI/DOI: https://archive.org/details/Ud

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