Investigation on the Pattern of Intestinal Parasites Present in Refuse Dumps and Abattoir Wastes in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This project work focuses on the investigation of pattern of intestinal parasites present in refuse dumps and abattoir wastes in Ile-Ife. Samples were collected from 5 abattoirs in Ile-Ife and 5 refuse sites. The collection of samples covered a period of 4 months from March to June 2009. The samples were processed using concentration methods (Simple sedimentation and saturated salt floatation techniques). 64 ova and cyst of intestinal parasite were recovered from abattoir waste and 31 from refuse dumps. Trohozoites of protozoa and larvae of some helminths recovered are 95. In refuse dump samples; Entamoeba histolytica 18 (28.1%) Entamoeba coli 12 (18.8%), Balantidium coli 2 (3.1%), Taenia spp. 2 (3.1%), Hymenolepis nana 3 (4.2%), Hookworm 2 (3.1%) are recovered while in abattoir wastes Ascaris lumbricoides 17 (54.8%), Hookworm 9 (29.0%), Balantidium coli 5 (16.1%) and trophozoite of Balantidium coli 15 (15.8%), Trichomonas hominis 56 (58.9%), larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis 13 (13.7%) and Hookworm 11 (11.6%) were recovered from abattoir effluents. The public is encouraged to take good sanitary and hygienic habits; wastes from our houses should be properly disposed either by burning or burying deep in the soil. Protective material like shoe and hand gloves is suggested for workers that will be having contact with night soil and any waste water, effluents and slurries that will be used as manure or to irrigate farm products should be treated before use and any infected individual should be well treated and prevented from infecting others.