Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Inmates in the Bamenda Central Prison, North West Region of Cameroon

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites of inmates in the Bamenda Central Prison, Mezam Division, North West Region of Cameroon.

Methods: Three hundred and ninety three (385 males and 8 females) inmates aged 16 to 84 years were physically examined in 14 Cells in the prison between September 2014 and February 2015. Inmates age 16 years old were examined in their Juvenile Cell.

Results: Of the 393 inmates physically examined, 335 (85.24%) were positive for one or more ectoparasites. From the results obtained, lice showed the highest prevalence of 76.33% while jiggers were the least with a prevalence of 2.29%. Out of the 385 males examined, 336 (85.49%) had ectoparasites while amongst females, only two were suffering from ectoparasites. The trend of infestation for these ectoparasites was relatively high. Multiple infestations were more common than single infestations with the adult inmates more infested than the younger ones.

Conclusion: These results showed that ectoparasites vary in relation to different Prison Cells and age of the inmates. There should therefore be need to educate the prison population on hygienic habits, reduce overcrowding amongst inmates, in order to fight effectively against these diseases in the Prison Community.