How Solid waste enhances Intestinal Parasite transmission on Residents close to dumpsites, Aba Municipal, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The management of solid waste continues to be a major challenge in urban areas. This study Ogbor-Hill solid waste dumpsite,
Aba Nigeria. Formal-ether concentration technique was used to detect the presence of intestinal parasites among the
residents. Refuge sludge was examined using the Baermann funnel method and questionnaire was administered to collect
data from the residents on socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 423 faecal samples were examined and 164(38.8%)
persons were infected. A total of 576 parasitic eggs/cyst/trophozoites were recovered from the dumpsite. The parasite found
among the residents were Hookworm (12.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (9.0%), Trichuris
trichiura (5.0%) and Taenia saginata (2.1%). Of the five species of parasites found, the eggs of Hookworm species were
highest (34.5%) followed by A. lumbricoides (23.5%), E. histolytica (20.2%), T. trichiura (12.1%) and T. saginata was least
(9.7%). Females (48.8%) were more infected than males (34.5%) but was not significant (p = 0.070225). Age group 21–30
years recorded the highest (58.3%) infection followed by age group 11–20 years (54.4%) while 51 years and above were the
least (3.7%). There was no significant relationship in the age group (Pp>0.05). Those that reside closer to the dumpsite were
found to be more (54.1%) infected than those whose distance is farther (31.8%). The overall intensity of parasitic infection
showed a positive correlation (R = 0.161). Solid waste not properly managed has been known to have a negative impact on
health, environment and aesthetic values. A well planned waste management and health education programme for residents
living around the dumpsite will go a long way in reducing the potential of epidemic risks posed by dumpsites in Aba
municipal.

Keywords: Intestinal parasite, Solid waste dumpsite, Ogbor Hill, Aba