Evaluation of parasites of medical importance in drinking water sources in Okura District, Dekina local Government, Kogi State, Nigeria

A study was conducted on drinking water sources in Okura district, Dekina Local Government, Kogi State to examine parasites of medical importance. A total of 300 water samples were collected from two sources (Borehole and River water) in three communities (Anyigba, Egume and Ochaja) between the months of November 2014 and January 2015. In all the two sources, water was contaminated with eggs, trophozoites, cysts, oocysts, larvae and juveniles of parasites. Parasites were isolated using sedimentation method and viewed microscopically. In borehole water samples, the highest prevalence of 15.6% (7) was observed for Hookworms, followed by 13.3% for both G. lamblia and C. parvum while the least was B. coli and D. caninum with both having a prevalence of 2.2% (1). In River water, Taenia spp. had the highest prevalence of 11.7% (35) followed by Hookworm (9.3%, 28) and G. lamblia (7.3%, 22). River samples had total prevalence of 229 (83.58) while borehole had 45 (16.42%) with overall prevalence of 274 (91.33). Comparison of the prevalence between River and Borehole showed significant difference (P<0.05) with Rivers having more parasite contamination than boreholes. Preventing waterborne disease and the health effects of water contaminations is vital to public health. The inhabitants of the studied area were advised to stop defecating near their drinking water sources to reduce the rate at which these parasites contaminate water. Therefore, boiling of drinking water will help eliminate the parasites to ensure the safety and hygienic quality of the water.