Impact of Lakes on Parasite Infestation in Populations of the Far-North Cameroon

In order to assess the impact of the lake on the parasitic infestation, an epidemiological study on blood, urinary and intestinal parasites was conduct in three localities in the far north of Cameroon (Ma .ga, Mokolo and Maroua). To do this, a sample of 1,080 individuals were surveyed and parasitized. Thick drops and blood smears were performed for the examination of blood parasites, centrifugation technique for the examination of parasites in urine and thin film technique for stool examinations. The data obtained showed that the populations of the lake areas (Maga and Mokolo) are more engaged in fishing and farming occupations than those of the non-lake localities (Maroua). Plasmodium falciparum infestation is greater in Maroua especially during the rainy season (73.64%), while Plasmodium malariae affects more populations of Maga especially during the rainy season (60%). The majority of helminth infestation occur frequently in lake waters. The populations of Mokolo and Maga are also infested with Schistosoma mansoni with respective rates 62.50% and 68.88%. The infestation of Entamoeba histolytica is higher in Mokolo (39.58%) and Maroua (39.02%). The infestation of Schistosoma haematobium is greater in Mokolo (21.81%) followed by the populations of Maga (15.28%). The prevention and control of blood, intestinal and urinary parasitosis in Far North Cameroon involves awareness and education of populations. This will allow the adaptation of more responsible behaviors through the practice of good personal, community and environmental hygiene.