Parasitic Infection of Edible Terrestrial Gastropods in Benue and Plateau States, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

An alternative to red meat due to cholesterol level has made large terrestrial snails a target. they could serve as a good replacement and source of protein but their mode of life especially feeding and locomotion makes them prone to parasitic infections. This study was aimed at investigating the parasitic infection of edible terrestrial snails in relation to specie in some parts of North-Central Nigeria. a total of 579 edible land snails were collected during the wet and dry seasons. Seven snail species belonging to three generals were identified. Out of the 579 collected snails, 447 (77.20%) were positive for parasitic infections. All infected snails showed multiple infections. Infection rates of 82.88%, 77.69%, 67.12% and 53.85% were recorded from Agila, Jos, Utonkon and Wadata respectively. However, no significant difference in snail infection in relation to location. (χ²= , p > 0.05). Parasitic infection of snail species revealed that A. fulica was most infected (90.10%), this was followed by L. flammea (79.31%), A. marginata (77.42%), A. saturalis (75.58%).  L. aurora (74.73%), A. achatina (72.09%) and A. ovum (65.39%). No significant difference was observed amongst snail species infection (p > 0.05). S. stercoralis recorded 100% infection rate in all snails, A. cantonensis 76.73%, while Entamoeba sp. recorded the least (1.70%). Different parasites were also recovered from in the tissues/organs of the snails observed. Public awareness on the public health implications of consuming terrestrial snails should be emphasized by public health workers especially when eaten raw or undercooked. Snail farms should be encouraged rather than consumption of snails gotten from the wild.