Housefly-borne helminth parasites of Mouau and its public health implication for the university community

Abstract

The parasitic load on houseflies ( Musca domestica ) in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike was investigated, with the view to finding out the public health implications for the university community. A total of 544 houseflies were captured and examined for parasitic loads, using concentration/floating technique for detection of parasites. The highest fly abundance recorded was 302, captured from the farm centre, followed by 219 captured from the hostel; the lowest was 23 captured from the canteen. Parasite species found were all helminthes as represented by Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus and Fasciola hepatica , all in ova form. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest percentage prevalence of 54.54%, followed by Necator americanus 42.42%, and  Fasciola hepatica 3.03%. A simple chi square test was carried out and the results indicated a significance difference in the prevalence of flies and parasites recovered from the sites. Based on this, it is therefore recommended that health education -on the dangers of being infected, mode of transmission of these parasites and prevention-should be intensified within the university to avert possible disease outbreak. Keywords : Houseflies, Parasitic load, Public health, Helminths, Health education