Zoonotic potential of the parasites of the Khuman Wadi: Environmental and health repercussions in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco

¹ Natural Resources Management and Development Team, Environment and Health Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismaïl University, BP 11201 Zitoune, Meknes, Morocco
² BETA Veterinary Clinic, Imm7, Floor 1, Lot Sara, Avenue Zitoune - 50050 – Meknes, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The Oued Khoumane river, which flows through the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, receives discharges of raw wastewater, posing a risk to public health and the environment. To assess the extent of intestinal parasitosis, 72 water samples were collected monthly in 2022 from six sites.Analyses, conducted using a concentration technique (WHO method) for helminth eggs and MIF staining for protozoan cysts, revealed significant and diverse parasitic contamination. A total of 17 parasite genera were identified, with a predominance of protozoa (50.5%), followed by nematodes (29.8%), cestodes (16.2%), and trematodes (3.5%). This study highlights an alarming parasitic load, of both human and animal origin, which poses a direct threat to the health of populations using this water and degrades the aquatic ecosystem. It underscores the urgent need to implement preventive and corrective measures.