Prevalence of Geo-Helminth Parasites in Riverine Area in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths remain an important environmental and public health concern in tropical communities where sanitation, flooding and soil exposure may support parasite transmission. This study assessed the prevalence of geo-helminth parasites in soil samples from a riverine community in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, and examined their association with selected soil physicochemical factors. A cross-sectional environmental survey was conducted in February 2025. A total of 100 soil samples were collected from five locations: riverbank, market square, open restaurant, farm area and household surroundings, with 20 samples obtained from each site. Samples were examined using the zinc sulphate flotation method to detect helminth eggs and larvae. Soil pH, temperature and texture were also assessed. The overall prevalence of geo-helminth contamination was 61.0%. The farm area recorded the highest prevalence, 19/20 (95.0%), followed by the open restaurant, 15/20 (75.0%), households, 12/20 (60.0%), riverbank, 11/20 (55.0%) and market place, 4/20 (20.0%). The detected parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides, 33 (33.0%); Strongyloides stercoralis, 31 (31.0%); hookworms, 17 (17.0%); and Trichuris trichiura, 7 (7.0%). Loamy soil had the highest contamination rate, 19/20 (95.0%), while sandy soil had the lowest, 4/20 (20.0%). Geo-helminth prevalence was highest at pH 7.09 and at a soil temperature of 31.40°C. A weak positive correlation was observed between prevalence and soil pH, while soil temperature showed a weak negative correlation with prevalence. The findings indicate substantial soil contamination in Agwan-Jukun and suggest that location, soil texture, pH and temperature may influence geo-helminth distribution in the study area.