Geohelminth contamination of vegetables sold in some markets in Aba North, south-east Nigeria

Abstract

The contamination of vegetables by parasites especially those that are consumed raw or not properly washed have been the major route for the transmission of human pathogens and have continued to be a major public health concern. The study aimed at investigating the level of geohelminth contamination of vegetables sold at two major markets in Aba North metropolis. This was carried out using standard methods of floatation and sedimentation to detect the presence of helminthic eggs and larvae. Out of the 200 samples of vegetables examined, a total of 45.0% were contaminated. In the sampled areas, Umungasi Market recorded a higher rate of contamination (46.0%) than Eziama Market (44.0%) but statistically, contamination was not significantly associated with the markets (x²=10.628; p>0.05, 46.0%; x²=7.468; p>0.05, 44.0%). Water leaf (Talinum trangulare) had the highest helminth contamination of 16.7%, followed by fluted pumpkin leaf (Telfairia occidentalis) with a rate of 14.4%. Carrot (Daucus carota) showed the least contamination 6.7%. The geohelminth detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (28.9%), hookworm (22.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis (21.1%) and Trichuris trichiura (18.0%). Improved sanitation to reduce soil contamination with infective eggs as well as health education of food vendors on safety practice in the areas where vegetables are grown is highly imperative.

Keywords: Geohelminths; contamination; vegetables; markets; Aba North, Nigeria.