Parasitic Worm Burden in Freshwater Fish Sold at Markets in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Fish-borne parasitic infections are a public health concern in communities with high freshwater fish consumption, as improperly cooked fish can transmit helminthic infections to humans. This study examined the helminth parasite burden in freshwater fish sold at markets in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. A total of 160 fish specimens representing five species, including Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, and Synodontis species, were purchased from four fish markets. Each specimen was systematically dissected, and visceral organs were examined for parasites using gross inspection and microscopical wet preparation. Helminth parasites were identified morphologically. An overall parasitic prevalence of 72.5 percent was recorded across all fish species. Nematode larvae, predominantly Anisakis-like species, were identified in 38.1 percent of infected fish. Trematode metacercariae and cestode plerocercoids were also detected. Clarias gariepinus had the highest helminth burden. Consumer surveys conducted alongside fish sampling revealed that 44.3 percent of respondents regularly consumed minimally processed smoked or dried fish. The study recommends strengthened regulatory oversight of fish quality at retail markets and consumer education on safe fish preparation methods in Kwara State. Keywords: fish-borne parasites, helminths, freshwater fish, Kwara State, food safety.