OCCURRENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC PATHOGENS ON THE BODIES OF FLIES COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS IN ANIOCHA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, DELTA STATE.

Abstract

Flies are widely recognized as important mechanical vectors of parasite due to their frequent contact with human and animal wastes, decomposing organic matter, and food sources. Their ability to transport infective stages of intestinal parasites on their body surfaces presents a significant public health concern. This study investigated the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections on the bodies of flies collected from different environmental settings in Aniocha South Local Government Area. Adult flies were collected from 4 different environmental locations (waste disposal sites, market area, food vendor area and residential area) using standardized trapping procedures. The flies were then transported to the lab for identification of vectors and isolation of parasites on the external body surfaces of the flies using concentration method. Data obtained were analyzed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic pathogens across the various sampling sites. Out of the 2,817 flies collected from the study area, Musca domestica showed highest abundance at 1473 while Fannia canicularis showed the lowest abundance at 137. From the 3 selected villages in the study area, Ogwashi-Uku showed the highest abundance of flies at 1472, Azagba 737 while Isiagu was the lowest at 609. Flies collected from waste disposal area showed the highest prevalence at 54.5% while flies from residential area presented the lowest prevalence at 38.3%. food vendor areas and market areas had prevalence at 41.2% and 47.0% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides showed the highest prevalence on the flies collected from residential areas 95.7%. hookworm occurred highest on flies collected from food vendor area 12.5%. G. lamblia occurred highest on flies from waste disposal 4.9%. E. histolytica also showed high prevalence on flies collected from waste disposal site at 2.2% while T. trichuria occurred highest on flies collected from market area at 5.9%. The findings suggest that flies serve as important links between contaminated environments and human exposure pathways through the contamination of food, water, and household surfaces. Strengthening environmental sanitation and implementing effective fly control measures are essential for reducing the risk of parasite transmission and in the study area.