+44-1518-081136- International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (2015) Volume 3, Issue 3
Parasitological Evaluation of Un-Disposed Refuse Dumps in Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria
For inhabitants to appreciate clean environment there is need to examine the distribution and effects of parasites in refuse dump stands at different locations in Calabar city. The parasitological investigation of refuse dumps in Calabar South of Cross River State, Nigeria, was carried out in randomly selected eight refuse dump stands between August 2012 and September 2014. One hundred grams (100 g) of refuse sludge taken from each of the eight refuse dump stands was examined through standard parasitological processing to search for parasites. Out of 320 refuse sludge investigated, 495 parasitic eggs/cysts were recovered from different locations of dump stands in the city. These parasites were divided into four groups (Nematodes, Rhizopods, Ciliates and Trematodes) made up of seven species. The species were Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Balantidium coli, Trichuris trichiura, Hookworms, and Schistosoma mansoni. Entamoeba histolytica presented the highest prevalence rate of 64%. The overall intensity of parasite infestation was significantly higher in the residential than market areas (p < 0.05). To eradicate parasitic contamination of the area, public health education should be used to encourage sanitary environmental condition.
Author(s): Cletus Inah Iboh, Okoi Enang Effiom, Stephen Christian Ekoro, Atting Inyang