Recovery of oocyst and eggs of helminths on the soles of shoes

Abstract

A survey of helminth parasites on the soles of shoes of staff and students of Federal University Lokoja campus was undertaken between March and April 2016. A total of 120 swabs were obtained from 60 pairs of shoes which comprise 25 pairs from staff and 35 pairs from the students of Federal university Lokoja. The samples were examined for egg, cysts and oocysts of parasites. Out of 120 samples, 22 (18.3%) were positive for helminthiasis while 98 (81.7%) were negative. Four species of helminths were encountered. The parasites encountered out of the whole sample (120) were Ascaris lumbricoides 9 (35.9%), Trichuris trichuira 7 (5.8%), Fasciolopsis sp 4 (3.3%) and Hookworm 2 (1.7%). One specie of Taenia eggs was observed. The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides with a total of 9 (35.9%) out of the 22 positive prevalence, with total of 6 (22.3%) species of Ascaris lumbricoides encountered from the soles of shoes of the students, while 6 (5%) prevalence was encountered from the soles of shoes of staff indicating that the students were more exposed to the parasites as a result of trekking. The low prevalence of parasites observed on the soles of shoes examined among staff and students on Adankolo campus of Federal University Lokoja might be linked to the fact that the campus is interlock. The study recommends improved sanitation to reduce incidences of parasitic infection.

Recommendation

From the study, it may be recommended that more enlightenment should be targeted at the public especially the rural dwellers as well as University campuses to caution wearing shoes that are worn at offices and public places into rooms. We are urged to have disinfectant foot mat at our door steps to avoid visitors that come in with their shoes especially cover shoes into the sitting rooms so that little children do not pick the ova of helminths from the floor. It is also important that refuse dumping, excreta, wastes and other debris should be prohibited on campus with greater consideration within the metropolis. The study recommends proper hygiene by students and staff when eating, it is to endeavour that washing of hands thoroughly before eating in other to avoid transmission of the parasite after contact with the shoe when pulling it off.

Conclusion

The practice of carelessly using our hands to scrub the soles of our shoes when taking it off and wearing that shoe that have been worn outside in the sitting rooms are possible means of transmitting helminths eggs and oocysts to cause intestinal infections. The need to therefore put issues of public health in place and sensitizing students and staff on campus and globally on the importance of a "a healthy shoe, a healthy home" is paramount.

Purpose of article

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