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Research and Reviews: A Journal of Microbiology and Virology

Evaluation of Parasite Contamination in Residents along Wumba River Water in Federal Capital Territory of Abuja

  1. Abdulsalam A.
  2. Andy Anyalewachi Ukah
  3. M. A. Abdulkadir
  4. Yunusa Mako Mohammed
  5. Olufemi Segun Shoyemi

Abstract

Access to clean drinking water is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and water quality plays a critical role in human well-being. This study evaluates the prevalence of parasite contamination among residents living along the Wumba River in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and water quality directly impacts various aspects of human well-being. In this study, water samples were collected from 24 different points along the river Wumba, and a total of 576 samples were examined for physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators over a year and a half. The study also assessed the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, a common parasitic worm, among the population dependent on Wumba River water. The results indicate a relatively low prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection, with 9.18% among males and 10.0% among females. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in parasite contamination between males and females. However, the study identified various domestic uses of Wumba River water, with most respondents using it for bathing and washing clothes. The water quality analysis showed that some samples from the river contained parasitic organisms, including Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba coli, and hookworm. The highest contamination rate was observed in stream water samples, followed by river water, while borehole and rainwater samples showed lower contamination levels. The study emphasizes the importance of treating water from this source before consumption to reduce the risk of parasitic infections. It also recommends the promotion of borehole water sources as a safer alternative to minimize the health risks associated with contaminated river water. Installing borehole water systems in the study area is suggested as a proactive measure to safeguard public health and reduce waterborne diseases.

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