*Omoruyi, Z., and Omoaka, E. D.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: zainab.omoruyi@uniben.edu; Tel: +234 803 700 2791
Abstract:
Background: Wastewater from slaughterhouses can contain a variety of parasites, including protozoa and helminths. This study was designed to systematically examine wastewater samples from selected slaughter houses in Benin-City, Edo State, and determine the prevalence parasite contamination and spatial distribution of these parasites, to inform future public health and environmental protection strategies.
Methodology: Wastewater samples (n=120) collected from four randomly selected slaughterhouses (Ikpoba Hill, New-Benin, Oluku, and Ugbowo) in Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria, were examined for the presence of parasites. The samples were processed using standard parasitological techniques, involving saline and iodine wet preparations on the slides, which were then examined under compound light microscope at 10x and 40x magnifications. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining procedure was performed for detection of Cryptosporidium ova.
Results: Of the 120 wastewater samples examined, 118 tested positive for parasites, giving a parasitic contamination rate of 98.3%, with a total of 360 parasites detected. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most preva- lent (n=85, 23.6%), followed by Taenia spp (n=51, 14.2%) and Balantidium coli (n=48, 13.3%). Other notable parasites detected were Fasciola hepatica (n=37, 10.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (n=32, 8.9%). Conversely, less prevalent parasites included Chydonis spherieus (n=1, 0.3%), Amoeba spp (n=2, 0.6%), Hookworm (n=2, 0.6%), and Pin worm (n=2, 0.6%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of parasites across the four locations (p=0.545).
Conclusion: The results of this study provide a comprehensive assessment of parasitic contamination in abattoir wastewater in Benin-City, highlighting substantial public health risks associated with the effluents.
Keywords: Parasites, Wastewater, Slaughterhouses, Public Health
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