Assesement of Parasitic Contamination of Water from Different Sources in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State

Abstract

Parasitic water borne diseases have become a source of concern to the people due to continued contamination of water from different sources as a result of human activities. This study was carried out to assess the parasitic contamination of water sources in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area, Katsina State Nigeria. A cross sectional study was conducted using 204 water samples collected from various water sources and processed by centrifugation, Calcium carbonate floatation and modified Ziehl Nelson techniques before microscopy. Among the samples examined, pond water had the highest contamination (100%), followed by Dam (63.3%), well (22.9%), tap (10%) and boreholes (0%). The major parasitic protozoans detected from the samples in their cystic form are E. histolytica and G. lamblia with mean prevalence of 13.7% and 7.8% respectively. The prevalence of of E. histolytica and G. lambia in the dry season was 8.8% and 6.9% respectively. While that of the wet season was 18.6% and 8.8% respectively. The results of this study indicate the need for continuous monitoring and protection of water sources against waterborne parasites and people should be encouraged to inculcate the habit of consuming treated water to reduce the chances of contracting the diseases.