Bionomics and Distribution of Human-Infecting Geohelminths in Dumpsite Foci across Two Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Geohelminths are parasites that are primarily transmitted through soil contaminated with human faeces, food, or water, as they exhibit direct life cycles that do not necessitate intermediate hosts or vectors. They thrive predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, where favourable environmental conditions and inadequate sanitation significantly enhance their transmission. The dynamic processes governing geohelminth transmission, particularly their free-living stages, highlight the need to understand their ecological and environmental interactions. This study investigates the prevalence and distribution of human-infecting geohelminths in soils from dumpsites located in two communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. By providing valuable data on geohelminth distribution and risk factors, this research aims to inform targeted policies and control measures to mitigate the burden of geohelminth infections in endemic regions. A total of 200 soil samples were collected and analysed using flotation and centrifugal methods to detect the presence of geohelminth eggs and larvae. Eggs and larvae were identified using the Atlas of Parasitology. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 and analysed using simple percentage calculations to interpret the prevalence and distribution of geohelminths in the studied communities. The findings revealed an overall prevalence of 54.5%, with the following species identified: Ascaris lumbricoides (27%), Trichuris trichiura (11.5%), Strongyloides stercoralis (9%), Ancylostoma duodenale (6.5%), and Necator americanus (0.5%). The Bukuma community exhibited a higher prevalence (60%) compared to Nkpor (49%), with site-specific variations attributed to differences in sanitation practices and waste management. The study highlights the significant role of environmental factors, such as inadequate sanitation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and open defecation, in facilitating geohelminth transmission. These findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions focusing on improving personal and environmental hygiene, promoting proper waste disposal, and discouraging open defecation. Effective control measures should prioritise public education, community hygiene, and the implementation of structured sanitation policies to mitigate the burden of geohelminth infections.