Prevalence of intestinal parasites in vegetables sold in major markets in Ibadan city, south-west Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were carried out in Ibadan City, South-West Nigeria between March and June 2011, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in vegetables sold in various markets within the city. Fifty samples each of 5 different vegetable types, Cabbage (Brassica deracea), Lettuce (Lactus sativa), Carrot (Daucus carota), Cucumber and green leafy vegetables were bought randomly from five different markets and examined for parasites in the laboratory using sedimentation method. Results show that 29(11.6%) out of the 250 vegetable samples examined had intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in these plant tissues was found to be 22.0% in Cabbage, 14.0% in Carrot, 12.0% in lettuce and 10.0% in Green leafy vegetables. No parasites were detected in the 50 cucumber samples. Intestinal parasites detected included ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (51.7%), Hookworm larvae (27.6%) and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (20.7%). This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites on vegetables in Ibadan markets and the need for public enlightenment campaigns on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and raw vegetables.

KEYWORDS: Intestinal parasites, vegetable, market, sedimentation technique, South-West Nigeria.