Prevalence of intestinal parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Prevalence of intestinal parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria, was studied from the month of September to November, 2022. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence, sample that harboured the parasite most and species of parasites on fruits and vegetables sold in the study area. Eight different fruits and five vegetables were purchased from the main markets of the three selected areas in the Local Governments (Biu, Buratai and Miringa) once in a week. A total of 384 samples, comprising of 280 fruits (Tomatoes, Guava, Watermelon, Orange, Bitter Garden Egg, Cucumber, Apple and Bananas) and 104 vegetables (Spanish, cabbages, lettuces, onions and Carrot) were purchased and examined for intestinal parasites using sedimentation method. An overall prevalence of 250 (65.1%) was observed and vegetables had the highest prevalence rate 82 (78.8%) while fruits had 168 (60%). The difference in prevalence rate in different locations within the study area on both fruits and vegetables were statistically not significant (p<0.05). Ascaris lumbricoide was the most prevalent specie 110 (44%) while hymenolopis nana was the lowest prevalence specie 7 (2.8%) on both fruits and vegetables. Others parasites encountered include Entamoeba histolytica 32 (12.8%), Trichuira trichuris 30 (12%), Ancylostoma spp 27 (10.8%), Taenia spp 16 (6.4%), Strongyloid stercoralis 16 (6.4%) and Giadia lamblia 12 (4.8%). From the results of this study fruits and vegetables sold in this study area were highly contaminated with intestinal parasites due to poor environmental sanitation, handling method and preservation techniques by vendors, farmers and consumers as well as use of wastewater and poor fertilizer during farming. This can be reduced or prevented through proper disposal of human and animal waste, proper handling and use of modern preservation techniques, use of clean or treated water and recommended fertilizer during farming as well as proper washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption.