EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER BORN PARASITIC INFECTION WITH THEIR ASSOCIATION AND SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER IN GADAU

ABSTRACT Water-borne parasites continue to represent a major public health challenge, particularly in developing nations where access to potable water remains limited. In Nigeria, millions of people are affected annually by parasitic infections resulting from contaminated drinking water, with consequences ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to life-threatening conditions. Despite several interventions, the persistence of these infections highlights the need for continuous surveillance and research. This study investigates the prevalence and distribution of water-borne parasites across different sources of drinking water in selected communities in Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with 300 water samples collected from boreholes, wells, rivers, and tap water. Each sample was subjected to a multi-level analysis comprising physical (pH, turbidity, and temperature), microscopic (direct examination and staining), and molecular (polymerase chain reaction and quantitative PCR) procedures to detect and quantify parasitic organisms. Statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, prevalence calculation, and correlation analysis, were used to interpret findings. The expected outcomes include the identification of the most prevalent parasites in Nigerian drinking water sources, comparative prevalence rates across different water types, and environmental or anthropogenic factors associated with contamination. These findings will not only provide insight into the epidemiology of water-borne parasites in Nigeria but will also inform policymakers, water resource managers, and public health officials on effective strategies for control and prevention. Ultimately, this study underscores the urgent need for improved water quality monitoring, community education, and the adoption of sustainable sanitation practices to reduce the public health burden of water-borne parasites. Keywords: Water-borne parasites, Nigeria, drinking water sources, prevalence, public health, contamination.