Investigations on the Health Risk Associated with Raw Feeding Habit on Rhynchophorus phoenicis Larva among Rural Residents in Ogbia, Bayelsa State Nigeria

Abstract

Rhynchophorus phoenicis larva has long been recognised in Ogbia as an alternative source of food among the low-income rural population to prevent malnutrition. However, the habit of consuming the larva without any form of processing can serve as a source of zoonotic spread. Therefore, this study evaluates the health threat associated with raw feeding habit on the edible larva. The study established that rural populations with raw feeding habit on the larva are vulnerable.  A total of 86 freshly harvested larva of Rhynchophorus phoenicis from Ogbia was subjected to parasitological screening using direct smear and the formalin ether sedimentation technique. Observed parasites were identified using common morphological features adopted from Laboratory identification of parasites of public health concern.  A total of 28 (32.6%) of the examined Rhynchophorus phoenicis larva were reportedly infected with parasites and 58 (67.4%) were free from parasites. However, parasites of public health concern reported in this study were Taenia species and Fasciola species specie. Other parasitic organism observed in this study were Steinernema africanum, Heterorhabditis Species and egg stage of Chiomastrix mensneli. The study established that raw consumption of the Rhynchophorus phoenicis larva is a risk behaviour and can prompt zoonotic outbreak.