Survey of Parasites in Water Sources in Ishieke and Its Environs Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria

Water is a natural resource that covers about 70% of the earth surface, yet humans lack potable water for both domestic use and drinking. The study area; Ishieke and its environs are located in Ebonyi state, south eastern Nigeria. A total of 200 water samples were analyzed to know the types of parasites found in the water sources within the study area. The water samples were collected from streams, hand-dug wells, boreholes (private) and taps (pipe borne water). The water samples were analyzed in the Applied Biology laboratory in Presco campus of Ebonyi state University. Centrifugation and microscopy method were used in the analysis of the water samples. Parasites analyzed included nematodes, cestodes, trematodes and protozoa. A total number of 310 parasites were observed with Strongyloides stercoralis larvae having highest occurrence (108) in almost all the water samples analyzed, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (49), Hookworm (54), Taenia spp (32), Trichuris trichiura egg and larva (23), Fasciola hepatica (21), S.mansoni (17), E. histolytica (13) and Giardia lamblia (11) respectively. From the research carried out, there was high occurrence of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae which was observed in almost all the water sources. It is recommended that water that will be used for domestic purposes that is from these water sources should be treated properly and also boiling before use. Wells should not be dug close to septic tanks. Survey should be carried out before drilling borehole so as to know the appropriate place to sink borehole. The Ebonyi state water board should ensure steady water supply and they should also monitor the pipe that the water flow through from time to time and the once that is bad should be repaired immediately to prevent parasite from penetrating into the water.