Occurrence of Geohelminthes in Four Major Markets in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Soil serves as a reservoir for infective stages of helminthes that affect both man and animals. The study surveyed the occurrence of geohelminthes in four major markets in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Following standard procedures, 50 soil samples each were collected from various sites in the four major markets (Wadata, Wurukum, High-Level and Northbank) in Makurdi metropolis. The samples were processed for helminthes in the Zoology Laboratory of Benue State University, using the zinc sulphate floatation method. Following isolation and identification of helminthes from infected samples, the data were presented using descriptive statistics (Simple percentages). A total of 85/200 (42.50%) helminthes prevalence was documented in the study, and these were: <i>Taenia</i> sp 7/85 (8.24%), <i>Trichuris trichuria</i> 10/85 (11.76%), <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> 13/85 (15.30%), Hookworm 16/85 (18.82%) and <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> 39/85 (45.88%). Location-based prevalence of helminthes included: 5/85 (5.88%) in High-level, 16/85 (18.82%) in Northbank, 30/85 (35.29%) in Wurukum and 34/85 (40.00%) in Wadata markets respectively. The toilet 38/85 (44.71%) area was the most infected, followed by refuse dumps 36/85 (42.35%) and the playground 11/85 (12.94%). Periodical documentation of geohelminthes of public health importance is key to achieving proper control. Helminthes documented in the study calls for concern and studies involving advanced technologies to build on the current data are encouraged.