An Analysis of the Role of Fomite (Toilet Door Handle) in the Transmission of Parasitic Diseases: Case Study of Prof. Basil’s Boys Hostel in Unizik, Awka, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the level of “Parasitic Contamination of Toilet Door Handles in Prof. Basil’s Boys Hostel, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State”. This was carried out using a parasitological survey, parasitological examination standard methods of sedimentation and floatation to detect the presence of helminthic eggs, cyst and oocysts. Hundred structured questionnaires were pretested, distributed and analyzed. Out of the 50 samples collected with sterile swap sticks from door handles that were examined in Parasitology and Entomology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, a total of 18 (36%) were contaminated. Boys’ hostel block D (BHBD) had the higher rate of contamination with 10 (20%) prevalence comprising of Ascaris lumbricoides (12%), Entamoeba histolytica (8%). Boys hostel block E (BHBE) had the least rate of contamination with 8 (16%) prevalence comprising of Ascaris lumbricoides (6%), Entamoeba histolytica (10%). There was a significant difference in the role of fomites in transmission of parasitic infection in Basil Boys’ Hostel (alpha = 0.05, P value = 0.02479). There was no significant difference in the risk factors of parasitic contamination of toilet door handles in Basil Boys’ Hostel (alpha = 0.05, P value = 0.079301). There was also a significant difference in the prevention of parasitic contamination of toilet door handles in Basil Boys’ Hostel (alpha = 0.05, P value = 0.000085). Regular cleaning of hand surfaces such as toilet door handles to reduce the load of parasitic contamination, improved sanitation to reduce environmental contamination with eggs as well as health education and good hand hygiene on safety practice in the student hostels are highly imperative.