Housefly-borne helminth parasites of Mouau and its public health implication for the university community

Abstract

The parasitic load on houseflies (Musca domestica) in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike was investigated, with the view to finding out the public health implications for the university community. A total of 544 houseflies were captured and examined for parasitic loads, using concentration/floating technique for detection of parasites. The highest fly abundance recorded was 302, captured from the farm centre, followed by 219 captured from the hostel; the lowest was 23 captured from the canteen. Parasite species found were all helminthes as represented by Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus and Fasciola hepatica, all in ova form. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest percentage prevalence of 54.54%, followed by Necator americanus 42.42%, and Fasciola hepatica 3.03%. A simple chi square test was carried out and the results indicated a significance difference in the prevalence of flies and parasites recovered from the sites. Based on this, it is therefore recommended that health education -on the dangers of being infected, mode of transmission of these parasites and prevention-should be intensified within the university to avert possible disease outbreak.

Keywords: Houseflies, Parasitic load, Public health, Helminths, Health education