An evaluation of intestinal parasites in edible frogs (<i>Hoplobatracus</i> spp) sold for consumption in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

To determine the presence of eggs, oocysts and larvae of intestinal parasites in edible frogs (Hoplobatrachus species) sold for human consumption in Hanwa Zaria, Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples of edible frogs (n = 225) were collected from the frog market (FM) at Hanwa, Zaria. The samples were analysed for parasites eggs, oocysts and larvae using zinc sulphate-sucrose floatation method of specific gravity 1.21, sedimentation tests followed by microscopy. Parasitic eggs, larvae, and oocyst were found in 54.7% of the total gastrointestinal tract samples using floatation technique while, eggs were found in 40 (17.8%) of the samples using sedimentation technique. The overall prevalence of the parasitic oocyst, eggs or larva using the simple floatation and sedimentation techniques techniques in the examination of the frog was 63.1% (142/225). The presence of parasites in both the male and female frogs were 92 (75.4%) and 50 (48.5%), respectively, there was statistically significant association between gender and parasite prevalence, P = 0.0001. There was no significant association between original location of frogs and prevalence of parasites, but there was statistically significant association between gender and parasite prevalence, p = 0.525. Coccidia oocysts mean counts were highest (8.11 ± 0.423). People should be educated on how to prevent possible zoonotic transmission to humans during capture, slaughter, processing and/or consumption of raw or improperly cooked frogs.

Keywords: Frog, Hoplobatrachus spp, eggs, oocysts, larvae, Zaria