Soil-transmitted Helminths from Selected Public Spaces in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is often linked to poverty, poor environmental hygiene and poor sanitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in September and October, 2023 targeting selected public places in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State. Five hundred (500) soil samples were collected from selected public places. Soil samples were processed using flotation and centrifugation techniques and the data were analysed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.0, Chi-square was used in the analysis at p≤0.05. Out of the five hundred (500) samples examined, 30% (150/500) were positive for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) which included Ancylostoma species egg 0.2% (1/500) and Strongyloides species larvae 41.6% (208/500). Strongyloides larvae had the highest parasitic stage in soil 99.5% (208/209). Overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in soil was significantly higher in Sanda Kyarimi Park 47.9% (46/96) compared to public schools 22.3% (70/314), Riverbank 37.8% (34/90) (p = 0.0001). Our findings reveal that soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains a burden amongst public places. Furthermore, the high level of contamination of soil with egg/larvae of nematodes is a serious public health concern pointing to the need for proper sanitation and health education within the study area. This baseline data may aid policy makers in establishing measures to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiases in public places as well as the level of contamination in the environment