Parasites Harbored by Synanthropic Flies in Urban and Rural Areas of Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Synanthropic flies are of public health importance due to their role as mechanical transmitters of parasites. The link between human pathogens and fly-transmission is because adult flies feed and breed on refuse dump, human excrement, and other decaying materials and making contact with humans and their livestock. Aim: The study was to investigate the parasites species associated with synanthropic flies in selected urban and rural areas of Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The study was a field survey of synanthropic flies and laboratory-based isolation of parasites associated with the flies. Duration: The study was conducted between October-December, 2019 (Dry season) and May-July, 2020 (Rainy season). Materials and Methods: Four (4) sweep nets were used for collection of flies. Parasites were identified in the laboratory using sedimentation techniques. Results: A total of 181(100%) parasites comprising six species were isolated from the flies. They were; Entamoeba histolytica 18(9.94%), Ascaris lumbricoides 76(41.99%), Taenia species 27(14.92%), Giardia lamblia 19(10.50%), hookworm 18(9.94%) and Trichuris trichiura 23(12.70%). The difference in the prevalence of the parasites species was significant (p=0.005, p < 0.05). Of the 181(100%) parasites, 86(47.51%) were isolated from flies from refuse dumps in abattoir, 50(27.62%) from refuse dumps in food stuff market while 45(24.86%) were from refuse dumps around homes. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of parasites across the different refuse dumps (p = 0.632, p > 0.05). A total of 40(22.10%) parasites were isolated from the bodies of flies collected in Nnewi, 45 (24.86%) from Awkuzu, 58(32.04%) from Onitsha, and 38(21.00%) from flies collected in Awka-Etiti. There was no significant different in the prevalence of parasites by communities (p = 0.372, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Since synanthropic flies have been implicated as a mechanical career of parasites. Health education and environmental sanitation is recommended as a control measure.