DIVERSITY OF HELMINTHS ON ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Helminths are parasitic organisms of major public health and veterinary significance, exerting profound impacts on human health, livestock productivity, and socio-economic development. This review synthesizes existing literature on the diversity, prevalence, and distribution of helminths of economic importance in Taraba State, Nigeria, with emphasis on their zoonotic potential and implications for disease control. Findings from multiple studies reveal that soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomes, filarial worms, cestodes, and trematodes remain widely distributed across the state, affecting humans, livestock, poultry, fish, and non-human primates. Among humans, intestinal helminthiasis is highly prevalent in school-aged children, with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Strongyloides stercoralis most frequently reported, while lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis persist as major endemic diseases despite ongoing control programs. In livestock, gastrointestinal nematodes, liver flukes, and cestodes significantly reduce productivity and contribute to economic losses. Poultry and pigeons also harbor diverse endoparasites such as Ascaridia galli and Raillietina spp., whereas aquatic helminths compromise fish health and threaten aquaculture development. Recent studies further highlight genetic diversity in Onchocerca volvulus and zoonotic transmission risks from both livestock and wildlife reservoirs. The climatic conditions, poor sanitation, and socio-economic realities of Taraba State provide favorable environments for helminth persistence and transmission. This review highlights the urgent need for integrated One Health approaches combining epidemiological surveillance, veterinary interventions, public health education, and improved sanitation to mitigate helminth burden, safeguard food security, and reduce poverty in the region.