Evaluation of Vegetable Contamination with Medically Important Helminths and Protozoans in Calabar,

During cultivation, irrigation, storage, transit, or processing for consumption, vegetables are frequently exposed to parasite ova, larvae, or oocyst. Consumption of raw, unclean, and inadequately prepared vegetables is thought to increase the risk of intestinal parasite transmission. In selected markets in Calabar, Cross River State, this study assessed parasitic contamination of vegetables and determined parameters associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables. Sample: Markets in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, from September to October 2018.

Methodology: Data on parameters linked with parasite contamination of vegetables was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Using direct wet mount and zinc sulphate floatation procedures, 300 vegetable samples were obtained and processed from three separate marketplaces in Calabar for parasite contamination testing.

Results: 15.7% (47/300) of the vegetables sampled were positive for at least one parasite. The species and stages of parasites detected were larvae of Strongyloides, ova of Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm, and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Larvae of Strongyloides (11.3%) were the most frequently detected followed by ova of T. trichiura (1.7%) and Hookworm (1.7%) (P = 0.000). Among the five vegetable types sampled, waterleaf (40%) had the highest level of parasitic contamination followed by pumpkin (21.7%). Washing vegetables before display and the means of display were significantly associated with parasitic contamination (P = 0.000).

Conclusion: Prevention of contamination is important in reducing food-borne parasitic infections and can be achieved through improved personal hygiene practices of farmers, vendors and consumers, proper washing of vegetables and improved sanitary conditions especially around markets where these vegetables are sold.

Please see the link :- https://www.journaljabb.com/index.php/JABB/article/view/30176