Survey of Parasitic Contamination of Sachet Water Sold in Jos-North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Sachet water, commonly referred to as “pure water”, is a primary source of drinking water for low- and middle-income populations in Nigeria. While regulatory frameworks emphasize in-package microbiological safety, parasitic contamination during production and distribution remains underexplored. This study investigates both internal and external contamination of sachet water to assess public health risks and inform quality control interventions. A total of 179 sachet water samples, representing nine commercial brands, were randomly collected from nine districts across Jos, Plateau State. Each sample underwent macroscopic inspection and pH measurement. Under sterile conditions, 10 mL of water was aseptically extracted from each sachet, centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 5 minutes, and examined for parasitic ova and cysts using wet mount, iodine staining, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. A subset of sachets—primarily obtained from street vendors—was further assessed through external surface washes using the same microscopic protocols. Eighty-nine percent of samples conformed to WHO standards for appearance and pH (colorless, odorless, tasteless; mean pH = 6.93). However, 2.2% of sachets (n = 4) were internally contaminated with intestinal parasites: Entamoeba histolytica (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 3). Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between contamination and brand type (Chi-square test; p = 0.423). External surface analyses from sachets sold by hawkers identified E. histolytica, C. parvum, and Ascaris lumbricoides, suggesting poor handling and storage practices contribute to secondary contamination. The detection of protozoan and helminth parasites within sachet water underscores a residual health threat, despite compliance with basic physicochemical standards. External contamination from improper handling further elevates consumer risk. These findings support the urgent need for enhanced parasitological surveillance, stricter regulatory enforcement across the water distribution chain, and targeted public education to promote safe handling and storage of sachet water in informal settings.