PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHES OF FROGS IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Abstract

A study was carried out on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes of frogs. A total of 260 frogs (Rana spp), from four locations (Lantoro, Ake, Isale-Igbebin/Kuto and Lafenwa/Totoro) in abeokuta, Nigeria were dissected and examined within the wet season from May to October for gastrointestinal  helminthes. Results revealed an overall Nematode prevalence of 85% to Trematodes (75.4%) in the studied locations. Lantoro had a prevalence rate of 88.4% nematodes to 76.8% trematodes. Others are Ake (nematodes 79.8%, trematodes 74.3%), Isale-Igbein/Kuto (nematodes 80.2%, trematodes 61.6%), and Lafenwa/Totoro (70.2% nematodes and 72% trematodes). Female frogs were more infected (94%) than males (93.3%), but analysis of variance showed no significant difference between males and females infection status. A total of 1637 adult and juvenile worms were isolated, consisting of 805 trematodes and 832 nematodes worms. The implications of the results are viewed on the premise that frogs are consumed as a source of meat, and consumption of infected frogs may pose a health hazard.