Observation on bionomics, prevalence and survival value of geohelminth in the rural communities of Rivers state

Abstract

A study was conducted to observe on the bionomics, prevalence and survivability of geohelminths in six communities of Rivers State, Nigeria, between February and May 2018. 1,000 soil samples were taken at different locations in the study areas of Rumuewhor, Ubimini, Ulakwo 1, Ulakwo 11, Elibrada and Okomoko. The parasitological technique used in examination of the soil samples, was centrifugal floatation method. Soil physic-chemical parameters of the soil were also determined to ascertain parasite survivability. Results revealed that geohelminths are prevalent in the study sites and higher contamination of 22 (10.6%) was observed in Rumuewhor community, followed by Ubimini 18 (8.7%), and Ulakwo 11 recorded the least contamination of 11 (3.0%). Among the parasite recovered, Ascaris lumbricoides was most frequently observed followed by Hookworm while Enterobius vermicularis and Strongyloides stercoralis were less observed. However, statistical analysis shows prevalence of parasites was statistically significant (p < 0.005). It was found that loamy soil had the highest proportion of parasites followed by clayey soil, while sandy soil recorded the least parasite prevalence. The soil physic-chemical parameters such as adequate soil moisture, moderate acidicity of the soil, acceptable content percentage organic matters, and optimum temperature of the soil indicates suitability of the soil to parasite survivability and embryonation with the contaminated foci. To control geohelminths prevalence to the bearest minimum, there is need for intense public enlightment to stop indiscriminate or open defecation system as this has contributed to soil contamination.

Keywords

• geohelminth
• bionomics
• prevalence
• survivability