Prevalence of Human Infecting Geohelminths in Soil Found around Refuse Dumpsites in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

Background: This study was carried to evaluate the prevalence of geohelminthes in soils found around refuse dumpsites in Emohua, Rivers State, South South, Nigeria and its public health significance.

A total of 240 soil samples were collected randomly from soils found around refuse dumpsites in (Rumuakande, Rumuche, Mgbuitanwo, and Isioducommunites) Emouha Local Government Area. Sixty samples each were collected from each community between July to September.

Methods: Using centrifugal flotation method, soil samples were analysed to determine the presence of geohelminths. Soil parameters also examined were soil texture, colour and pH.

Results: One hundred and twenty-one (50.4%) of the soil samples were found to be positive with human geohelminth eggs or larva, with Ascaris lumbricoides accounting for 58 (24.2%), Strongyloides spp. 34(14.1%), Ancylostoma duodenale 16(6.7%), and Trichuris trichiura 13(5.4%) which was statistically significant (P>.05). From the four communities sampled, Mgbuitanwo had prevalence of 36(15%), Isiodu 34(14.2%), Rumuche 26(10.8%), and Rumuakande with 25(10.4%). The prevalence rate in each of the communities was statistically significant (P>.05). Results equally showed loamy soil with mean 2.8 ± 1.1 S.D, sandy soil mean 1.7 ± 1.1 S.D, and clay soil mean 0.04 ± 0.3 S.D. Black soil had total mean 1.7 ± 1.6 S.D, and brown soil with mean 2.2 ± 1.8 S.D. Result from pH reading was mean 6.3 ± 0.6.

Conclusion: People who scavenge should well kitted to avoid risk of being infected by any of the observed geohelminth.