Prevalence of Helminth Eggs at Irrigation Site of River Antau In Keffi Local Government Area, Nasaravva State.

Water samples from River Antau were collected from different points at irrigation site and examined for presence of helminth eggs, using sedimentation technique for laboratory analysis and helminth eggs were observed microscopically. A total of 110 (100%) water samples were collected out of which 61 (55.45%) were positive with helminth eggs. The following types of ! ! helminth eggs were observed. Schistosoma haematobium 21 (34.4%), Schistosoma mansoni 15 (24.6%), Hookworm 10 (16.4%), Fasciola hepatica 7 (11.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides 5 (8.2%) and Trichuris trichiura 3 (4.9.%). Satistically, there is a significant difference on the monthly distribution (chi-square 39.35, df 3, P<0.05), as well as between helminth eggs distribution and types of helminth eggs (chi-square = 21.79 df = 5, P<0.05). It was also noted that there is no significant difference between the relative dry and wet periods and location of helminth eggs in River Antau (chi-square - 1.624, df - 1, P>0.05). Hence, there should be effort to avoid influx of these helminth eggs to irrigation sites, conversely contaminate the crops and vegetables which are later consumed by the farmers or other consumers in the community