Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in selected waste dumpsites across Ekpoma and Irrua communities, Edo State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical regions with poor sanitation. Waste dumpsites contribute to STH transmission by contaminating soil and increasing exposure risk. This study investigated the prevalence of STH in selected waste dumpsites across Ekpoma and Irrua communities in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 225 soil samples were collected from five dumpsites and analysed using Zinc sulphate floatation and Modified Baermann technique. Physicochemical analysis revealed that the pH of soil samples was slightly acidic ranging from 3.38 ± 0.28- 4.84 ± 0.20, temperature varied from 26.26 ± 3.61°C -32.61 ± 0.54°C, and electrical conductivity ranged from 936.13 ± 314.37 µS/cm to 1322.53 ± 370.78 µS/cm. The overall rate of contamination was 65.78%. Four STH species were identified: Hookworm (37.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (24.4%), Trichuris trichiura (7.6%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (31.6%). The highest prevalence (73.33%) was recorded at Agua Cattle Market Dumpsite in Irrua, while fresh soil samples exhibited the highest contamination (69.3%). The study revealed that dumpsites serve as reservoirs for STH, posing health risks to nearby communities and animals due to their zoonotic nature. The physicochemical conditions of soil support parasite survival and transmission. Burning waste alone is insufficient to eliminate STH, as parasites may persist in burnt soil. Effective waste management and sanitation practices should be prioritized to control the spread of soil-transmitted helminths.