Parasitic contamination of some fruits and vegetables from major markets in Ede Town, Osun State, south-west Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of parasites on some common fruits and vegetables from major markets in Ede Town, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty six (246) samples of fruits and vegetables were examined by sedimentation technique after washing using normal saline. The overall parasite prevalence was 37.4%. The highest rate of parasitic contamination (46.7%) was recorded in pineapples (Anana comosus) while oranges (Citrus sinensis) were the least contaminated (16.7%). For vegetables, African spinach (Spinacea oleracea) was the most contaminated (77.8%) while the least contaminated (2.2%) was celosia leaf (Celosia argentea). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most (21.7%) frequent parasitic contaminants on fruits and vegetables followed by Balantidium coli (19.6%) and then Hookworm (13.0%). Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis had the same percentage of occurrence
(12.0%) while Fasciolopsis buski (2.2%) was the least parasite found. The highest number of parasites was found in Timi Market with 46.2% fruits and 66.7% vegetables contaminated. Since eating raw fruits and vegetables is a potential source of transmission of intestinal parasites in the study area, it is important that consumers are educated on the need to always ensure proper washing of their fruits and vegetables.

Keywords: Fruits; vegetables; parasitic contamination; Ascaris lumbricoides; Ede Markets