Preliminary studies on parasites in faecal samples scavenged from open markets in parts of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Parasites are a global health problem that endanger the total well-being of humans and animals. This survey was conducted to assess parasites in faecal samples sourced from two open markets (Olabisi Onabanjo Market and Oke-Aje Market) in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 121 samples were obtained and examined for parasites using the sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin method. The collected data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the prevalence of parasites was calculated. Chi square was used to assess the relationship between the location of markets in the study area and the parasites detected in them, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results revealed that out of 121 faecal samples scavenged, 65(53.7%) were from Oke-Aje market, with faeces from humans 34(28.1%) being the most common. Overall, 74 (61.2%) samples were positive for parasites, with 44 (67.7%) being from Oke-Aje Market. Of the ten (10) parasites detected, Eimeria spp. 20(16.5%) had the highest prevalence with 11(19.6%) isolated from Oke-Aje Market. The least common parasite was Entamoeba histolytica with a prevalence of 1(1.5%). There was no significant relationship between the parasites found in the faecal samples collected and the Market locations (p>0.05). In conclusion, traders should endeavor to engage in daily sanitation in or around the environment of their marketplaces as faeces found in their surroundings could be parasite-infected.