Evaluation of Entamoeba Histolytica on Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces among Students Residing in School Hostels at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Amoebiasis stands as a prominent contributor to parasitic-related fatalities on a global scale, an estimated 50 million instances of invasive Entamoeba histolytica disease manifest annually, potentially leading to up to 100,000 deaths. The study examines the presence of E. histolytica on food and non-food contact surfaces among students residing within the hostel of the Obafemi Awolowo University. During the study, 50 samples were randomly collected from different rooms of 7 halls of residence. The study was carried out to determine prevalence of amoebiasis infection among students residing in the halls of residence at the Obafemi Awolowo University. Samples were collected using sterile swab sticks from surfaces in both food contact and non-food contact. Sterile water was added to each of the swab sticks and centrifuged. The saline and iodine preparations from the sediment were examined under microscope using x10 and x 40 objective lens for cyst of the parasite. The result of this study shows a high prevalence of E. histolytica parasites of 22%. Of the hall of residence, the highest prevalence was observed at Fajuyi Hall (8%), followed by Moremi Hall (6%) and Akintola Hall (4%), while the lowest prevalence rate was observed at ETF Hall and PG Hall both at 2%. The prevalence of the E. histolytica parasite among surfaces directly in contact with food was 18%, while the overall prevalence of E. histolytica parasites of non-food contact stood at 4%. On food contact, Moremi hall has the highest prevalence of E. histolytica with 4% on plate, Fajuyi 2% on both pot and frying pan, while 2% were observed on spoon and grater in Akintola respectively. On non-food contact, 2% prevalence was observed on gas cooker and on table top in both Fajuyi and Moremi halls. The high prevalence of E. histolytica can be attributed to the poor hygiene of students and the contamination from the source of purchase of food items and water source. Therefore, it is recommended that the student populace be sensitized on personal hygiene, mode of transmission of the parasite and information on the preventive measures should be passing across to the student in order to prevent further transmission of the parasite.