Prevalence of Soil -Transmitted Helminth in Three Communities of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal nematode parasites or soil transmitted helminths (STH) are parasitic nematodes with an essential phase of their asexual life cycle occurring in the soil, where they may persist until contact is made with a suitable host. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these soil transmitted helminth parasites in selected communities (Rumuewhor, Ubimini and Elibrada) of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. 300 soil samples were collected randomly from school fields, roadsides and around residential areas in the three communities from December 2016 to May 2017. Laboratory work on collected samples was by sieving and centrifugal floatation method. Results show 56.7% of the screened samples were contaminated with ova of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura and ova and larvae of hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). A. lumbricoides ova was recorded in 45.16% of the samples, T. trichiura in 21.51% and hookworm complex in 33.33%. From the communities sampled, Rumuewhor had a prevalence of 74 %, followed by Ubimini (60%), with the least at Elibrada (40%). The prevalence by soil type was 46.24% for loamy soil, 31.18% for clayey soil and 22.58% for sandy soil, while the proportion of ova to larvae was 2:1. The study has highlighted the public health implications for the people who live in the communities studied and has recommended the improvement of basic environmental and sanitary conditions of the populace and the need for health education programmes.