Infections associated with edible termites and their public health implications in parts of Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Nutritional dependence on termites for proteins could predispose consumers to various infections. This study was carried out to determine the infections associated with winged-reproductive edible termites at Ahiazu Mbaise Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Four hundred and forty five (445) termites were randomly sampled from four sources/categories. Altogether five species were encountered and only four were properly identified. They were Macrotermes bellicosus, M. herrus, M. natatentis and M. subhyalinus. Of the 445 termites examined, 60(13.48%) were positive for cysts/ova of parasites. The infection rate of cysts/ova found, were Ascaris lumbricoides (7.64%), Hookworm (2.69%), Entaemoeba histolytica (1.12%) and Toxocara species (1.79%). Infection rates concerning sources of collection showed no difference (p>0.05). The species of bacteria isolated from termite’s intestine included Escherichia coli (37.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.09%), Klebsiella spp (24.53%) and Streptococcus faecalis (22.64%). Over 50% of inhabitants-cum-consumers were unaware of possible acquisition and transmission of infections by termites. The medical and emerging zoonotic implications are highlighted.

Keywords: Infections, Nutritional dependence, termites, Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(3): 368-372, 2010