Canine and human gastrointestinal helminthiasis of the Kainji Lake area, Nigeria.

Abstract

An investigation into gastrointestinal helminthiasis in human and dog population of the Kainji Lake area revealed a high prevalence of helminthiasis which may be due to lack of adequate health and veterinary facilities; crowdiness and squalid environment. The prevalent parasites in humans were Ancylostoma sp, 40.33%; Ascaris lumbricoides, 44.07% and Strongyloides stercoralis 4.05%, while in dogs Ancylostoma sp, 36.95%, Dipylidium caninum, 28.26%, Echinococcus granulosus, 8.69% and S. stercoralis 5.43%. The risk of incidental occurrence of helminths of dog, D. caninum, Toxocara canis, E. granulosus are highlighted and the need to educate the community on hygiene matters in the absence of adequate health facilities are recommended.