DISTRIBUTION OF HELMINTH EGGS ISOLATED FROM SOIL IN BARKIN LADI MARKET, BARKIN LADI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE

Soil Transmitted Infections (STIs) are caused by Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) which are very common in developing countries such as Nigeria. These infections are referred to as Neglected Tropical Diseases which are important public health problems. Twenty five (25) soil samples were collected from five different sites of Barkin Ladi market between January and February 2022. Flotation and sedimentation methods were used for the sample analysis. Eggs of 3 helminths were identified namely Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura. The highest in o;inkj j mn kj k ,m nm., n, occurrence was Ascaris lumbriocoides (38.10%) followed by Ancylostoma duodenale (33.33%). The lowest was Trichuris trichiura (28.57%). Out of the 25 soil samples examined 20 (80%) were positive for eggs of helminths. The site from which the highest helminth egg occurrence was observed was around the refuse dump site followed by the area where vegetables are sold (23.81%). The site of lowest helminth egg occurrence (9.52%) was where meat is sold. It is important to employ measures that will reduce transmission of these helminth eggs to humans such as avoiding keeping of farm produce especially vegetables on the bare floor as well as thorough washing of fresh fruits and vegetables with salt and running water before consumption.