Detection of <I>Giardia</I> cyst and <I>Taenia</I> eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at detecting Giardia cyst and Taenia eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, River State, Nigeria, to check for potability and purity of water.Water samples of river water were collected from two points (downstream and midstream) of Aleto river. Labelled clean sample bottles with tightly-fitted lids were used to collect water samples from the river and stored in coolers with ice packs to maintain their temperature and transportation to the laboratory. Collected water samples were transferred into sterile vial tubes and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for five minutes, after which the supernatant fluids were discarded, while the sediments smeared using spatula on labelled slides stained with specific dyes, using the wet mounts, trichome stain technique, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the light microscope to identify the presence of parasites.This study showed the presence of ten trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and ten eggs of Taenia species isolated from the river water samples collected. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with waterborne parasites and emphasizes the importance of effective water quality management to safeguard public health. Furthermore, the observation of parasites underscores the need for comprehensive water quality assessment and monitoring. This study highlights the contamination of the river with parasitic organisms and urgently needs effective water management strategies to mitigate the risks to public health. Vital interventions encompass enhancing sanitation practices, curbing fecal contamination, and augmenting water quality surveillance mechanisms.