Abstract

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The impact of refuse disposal dump sites on the spread of intestinal helminthiasis in Owerri metropolis, south eastern Nigeria was studied between March and October, 2015. Thirty samples of waste materials from refuse dump sites at different parts of Owerri, 30 soil samples from cultivated gardens within 10meters radius from the refuse dump sites and 40 samples of vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis and Amaranthus hybridus) were collected in sterile containers. The samples were analysed using parasite concentration techniques and microscopic examination for ova and/or larvae of helminthes. The findings revealed presence of ova and larvae of 7 species of helminthes: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia solium, Taenia saginata Hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis in the test samples. Taenia solium and Taenia saginata were seen only in samples from refuse dump sites but none from garden soil and / or vegetable samples Statistical analysis of the data using ANOVA showed strong positive correlation (p < 0.0.5) in the prevalence of intestinal helminthes between the refuse disposal dump sites and soil / vegetable samples collected from nearby cultivated farms and gardens. All the helminthes recovered from garden soil and vegetable samples were present in the refuse dump samples collected from the same area. The most prevalent helminth in each of the 3 test samples was Ascaris lumbricoides (46.7% in refuse dump, 66.7% in garden soil and 45% in vegetables). Amaranthus hybidus leaves harboured more helminthes than Telfairia occidentalis. This study showed that refuse dump sites located in different parts of owerri metropolis pose great public health challenge to the population. Farmers who work in nearby farm lands and consumers of the farm products such as vegetables constitute the primary risk group. Imo State Environmental protection agency (ISEPA) and Environmental transformation Cooperation (ENTRACO) should take advantage of this study and ensure prompt regular evacuation of the wastes to avoid spreading infections agents in the neighbourhood. Farmers working in nearby farmlands should wear boots and adopt other protective measures to prevent infections. Consumers of the farm products like vegetables should wash them thoroughly and cook them very well before consumption

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