Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites on Some Vegetables Sold ... · in combination demonstrate considerable antioxidant activity of important health ... (Finotti, Bertone & Vivanti,

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Research Paper July 2018

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites on Some Vegetables Sold in Parts of Imo State, Nigeria.

1*Nwachukwu, C.I., 1Mgbemena, I.C., 2Nwachukwu, M.O., 3Okoro, L.C., 3Ikeh, S. G. I. and 3Nwaiche, C.B.

1Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

2Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

3Department of Agricultural Technology, Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo-Ohaji, Imo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of intestinal parasites on some vegetables

in parts of Imo state, Nigeria. Six different vegetables totalling 180 samples of selected vegetables:

Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato), Solanum gilo (garden egg), Cucumis sativus (cucumber),

Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Solanum macrocarpon (egg plants leaf), and Telferia occidentalis

(fluted pumpkin). Samples were analyzed using sedimentation and flotation techniques to detect

the presence of contaminant parasites in the test vegetables. Out of 180 samples, 54 had different

species of the parasites. Nine intestinal parasites were implicated and their prevalence of the

eggs/cysts was: Hookworm, 27 (28.42%); Ascaris lumbricoides, 18 (18.95%); Strongyloides

stercoralis, 13 (13.68%); Entameoba histolytica, 12 (12.63%); Enterobius vermicularis, 8 (8.42%);

Taenia sp., 7 (7.37%); Trichuris trichiura, 4 (4.21%); Balatidium coli, 3 (3.16%) and Giardia

intestinalis, 3 (3.16%). Result showed significant difference in the nature and distribution of

parasites on vegetables. There was also significant difference in the prevalence of intestinal

parasites on vegetables based on locations (P<0.05). Some of these parasites are common in

vegetables frequently consumed in parts of Imo State. There is therefore a need for safety

practices in planting, harvesting, storage and vendors’ proper handling of vegetables.

Keywords: Imo State, Intestinal parasites, Market, Prevalence, Vegetables,

1. Introduction

Vegetables are living organs detached from their parent plants and they respire when freshly

harvested (Beuchat & Doyle, 2007). Some vegetables have high water content which contributes


to their natural fragility. They contain cellulose, which when consumed serves useful purpose in

the intestine as roughage, thereby promoting digestion (Obetta, Nwakonobi & Adikwu, 2011). Their

nutritional content varies considerably. Many vegetables are rich sources of small proportion of

protein, fat and a relatively high proportion of vitamins (such as vitamins A, C and K). Others

include dietary minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron), alpha and beta

carotene, flavonoids as well as anthocyanin (Eni, Oluwawemitan & Solomon, 2010; Obetta et al.,

2011). They contain folic acid, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and phytochemicals that individually, or

in combination demonstrate considerable antioxidant activity of important health benefit (Liu, 2003;

Davidson & Touger-Decker, 2009; Zhang, Chen, Fu, Cheng & Lin, 2009).

Regular consumption of vegetables is known to reduced risk of cancer, stroke, cataracts, declines

associated with aging and other chronic diseases (Liu, 2003; Hung, Joshipura & Jiang, 2004;

Theodoratou, Kyle, Cetnarskyj, Farrington, Tenesa, Barnetson et al., 2007).

Vegetables can be consumed raw as desserts or cooked (Rajvanshi, 2010). Many vegetables

contain appreciable amount of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and also contain important nutrients

necessary for healthy hair and skin. However, some vegetables also contain toxins and anti-

nutrients (Finotti, Bertone & Vivanti, 2006). The importance of vegetables in diet lies in their

contributions to proteins, mineral, soluble vitamins (vitamins A, B, C, and D), antibacterial,

antifungal, antiviral, antioxidants and anti-carcinogenic properties (Gruda, 2005).

Their consumption especially in the raw form have, therefore, been associated with outbreaks of

food-borne diseases in many countries. These outbreaks range from a few people affected to

thousands (Olsen, MacKinon, Goulding, Bean, & Slutsker, 2000). Vegetables close to the soil are

the most contaminated with various food-borne pathogens (Ayres, Kraft, Synder & Walker, 2002).

Food-borne illnesses caused by intestinal parasites are still a public health problem in the

developing countries (Del Manso, De Crescenzo, Bella, D'Ancona, Giannitelli & Lana, 2009).

About one third of the world, more than two billion people, are infected with these parasites

(Brooker, 2010).

Contamination of vegetables may take place before and after harvest (Halablab, Sheet & Holail,

2011). Contamination before harvesting can come from soil, water (irrigation, washing), animals

(including insects and birds) and application of human and animal waste as manures or sewage

(Olayemi, 2007). It can also be introduced during harvesting, handling of the product, processing

equipment and transportation (JIFSAN, 2002). Unsafe water used for rinsing the vegetables and

sprinkling, in order to keep them fresh is also a source of contamination (Slifko, Smith and Rose,

2000). Intestinal parasites common to vegetables include protozoans, cestodes (tapeworms) and

nematodes (roundworms) such as Giardia lamblia, Taenia spp., Ascaris lumbricoides (Uneke,

2004; Daryani, Sharif, Nasrolahei, Khalilian, Mohammadi & Barzegar, 2012). Intestinal parasites

are transmitted primarily through contaminated soil, foodstuffs and water supplies (Holland &

Kennedy, 2002). The adult forms are essentially parasites of humans, causing soil-transmitted

diseases like ascariasis, ancylostomiasis, trichuriasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis etc., and they are

most prevalent in areas where adequate water and good sanitations are lacking (Amadi & Uttah,

2010). They together present an enormous infection burden on humanity, amounting to 2-3 million

deaths annually worldwide, and persistent infection of about 2 billion people (Brooker, 2010).


Worldwide, it has been found that consumption of enteric parasite infected food leads to morbidity

and mortality; the resulting diseases also have socio-economic impact with respect to the cost of

treatment and hospitalization (Utzinger & Keiser, 2004).

The study addressed the public health concerns on the consumption of vegetables through

evaluating the prevalence of intestinal parasites on some vegetables sold and consumed in parts

of Imo State, Nigeria.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Site Location and Description

The study was carried out in six Local Government Areas (Ezinihitte Mbaise, Owerri Municipal,

Okigwe, Obowo, Orlu and Oguta) of Imo State. A moderately populated State, located in Eastern

part of Nigeria between longitude 60 501E and 70 251E and latitude 40 451N and 70 151N with an

area roughly 5,100 km2. It is bounded on the East by Abia State, on the North by Enugu State, on

the West by Anambra State and on the South by Rivers State. It has a tropical rainforest climate

with an average maximum temperature of 250C with two distinct seasons, the dry season and the

rainy season. The State has many markets where both imported and locally sourced goods are

sold. However, the goods are from different parts of Nigeria. The sample sites comprised three

urban and three rural markets in Imo State. The markets are: Nkwo-Mbaise (Ezinihitte),

Ekeonunwa (Owerri municipal), Eke Okigwe (Okigwe), Malaysia market (Obowo), Orlu

International market (Orlu), and Afor Izombe (Oguta).

2.2. Sample Collection

A total of 180 samples of vegetables were randomly purchased very early in the morning from

different stands at the time the farmers delivered the items at the various markets (in their

unwashed states) (Plate 3.2.1-3.2.3). The vegetables were purchased and placed in separate

labeled polythene bags and transported to Umudike Research Institute laboratory Umuahia, Abia

State. Parasitological investigation was carried out on each of the selected vegetables:

Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato), Solanum gilo (garden egg), Cucumis sativus (cucumber),

Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Solanum macrocarpon (egg plants leaf), and Telferia occidentalis

(fluted pumpkin).

2.3. Sample Processing and Examination

Combined methods of sedimentation technique (Tello, Terashima, Marcos, Machicado, Canales &

Gotuzzo, 2012) and flotation techniques (Gharavi, Jahani & Rokni, 2002) were used in the

detection of the presence of contaminant parasites in the test vegetables. Each of the samples

was examined carefully with hand lens for the presence of segment of cestodes and adult

nematodes.

2.3.1. Sedimentation Method

About 200 g of each vegetable samples were put in a 500 ml capacity glass beaker with

physiological saline (0.85% NaCl) to wash out contaminating parasites/parasite stages (ova, larva

or cysts) from surfaces of the samples. The water (saline solution) was sieved through a sterile


sieve to remove undesirable materials and left overnight at room temperature for sedimentation to

take place (Tello et al., 2012; Jahangir, Maryam, Safoora & Kourosh, 2014).The top layer was

discarded and the remaining washing water was transferred to centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at

2500 rpm for 2-5 minutes and the supernatant was decanted into a disinfectant jar. The residue

transferred to a clean grease free slide with the addition of 1% iodine and covered with cover slip.

The preparation was examined for parasite stages under the microscope using x10 and x40

objective lenses (Cheesbrough, 2003; Jahangir et al., 2014). The identification of the parasites

was done using atlases of parasitology by Ukaga & Nwoke, (2007) and Chessbrough (1992). All

observations were recorded accordingly.

2.3.2. Flotation Method

About 200 g of each vegetable samples were put in a 500 ml capacity glass beaker with

physiological saline (0.85% NaCl) to wash out contaminating parasites/parasite stages (ova, larva

or cysts) from surfaces of the samples. The water (saline solution) was sieved through a sterile

sieve to remove undesirable materials and left overnight at room temperature for sedimentation to

take place (Tello et al., 2012; Jahangir et al., 2014). The top layer was discarded and the

remaining washing water was transferred to centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at 2500 rpm for 2-5

mins. The supernatant was decanted into a disinfectant jar. The sediment obtained was re-

suspended in zinc sulphate floatation fluid and re-centrifuged. The floatation fluid was added to fill

to the brim and a clean grease-free cover slip superimposed on it. The cover slip was lifted after

20mins. to allow cysts and eggs to float. The cover slip was placed face downwards on a slide with

a drop of iodine and examined under microscope using x10 and x40 objectives lenses (Gharavi et

al., 2002; Cheesbrough, 2003). The identification of the parasites was done using atlases of

parasitology by Ukaga and Nwoke (2007) and Chessbrough (1992). Observed eggs and cysts

were recorded.

2.4. Data Analysis

Resulting data were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with the

aid of SPSS software (version 20). Significant means were separated using Completely

Randomized Design (CRD) to compare the rate of contamination of the vegetables. The

differences were considered significant at P<0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Overall occurrence and intestinal parasites load on vegetables studied

A total of 180 vegetable samples were collected and examined to identify the presence of

parasites. In all the six markets from which the study was carried out, 54 samples which represent

30.00% were positive for various parasites. Table 1 revealed that Solanum macrocarpon (egg

plants leaf) was the most contaminated with intestinal parasites with 15 samples infected out of 30,

while Solanum gilo (garden egg) was the least affected with 4 out of the 30 samples tested. Each

slide for each type of the vegetables were examined to confirm the findings and 95 parasites were

encountered as indicated in Table 1. From Ngwo-Mbaise, one of the sample markets, Solanum

macrocarpon (egg plants leaf) and Cucumis sativus (cucumber) had the highest parasitic load as


presented on Table 1. In Ekeonunwa market, Solanum macrocarpon (egg plants leaf) had the

highest load of intestinal parasites. Solanum macrocarpon (egg plants leaf) had the highest

parasitic load in the third market; Eke- Okigwe market. In Malaysia market, Brassica oleracea

(cabbage) had the highest parasitic load. In the fifth market; Orlu International market, Telferia

occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) and Solanum macrocarpon (egg plants leaf) had the highest parasitic

load while the least affected was Solanum gilo (garden egg). Brassica oleracea (cabbage) had the

highest parasitic load in Afor-Izombe market as indicated in Table 1.

Table 1: Occurrence of intestinal parasites (eggs/cysts) load on some vegetables sold in parts of

Imo State.

Variables Number examined Number positive (%) parasites load (%)

Vegetables Telferia occidentalis 30 11 (6.11) 18 (18.95) Solanum macrocarpon 30 15 (8.33) 28 (29.47) Brassica oleracea 30 11 (6.11) 20 (21.05) Lycopacicum esculentum 30 5 (2.78) 10 (10.53) Cucumis sativus 30 8 (4.44) 13 (13.68) Solanum gilo 30 4 (2.22) 6 (6.32) Total 180 54 (30.00) 95 (100.00) Study Locations Nkwo-Mbaise Market 30 8 (4.44) 15 (15.79) Ekeonunwa Market 30 15 (8.33) 29 (30.53) Eke-Okigwe Market 30 10 (5.56) 18 (18.95) Malaysia Market 30 7 (3.89) 12 (12.63) Orlu International Market 30 9 (5.00) 13 (13.68) Afor-Izombe Market 30 5 (2.78) 8 (8.42) Total 180 54 (30.00) 95 (100.00)

(%: percentage of contaminated samples with intestinal parasites)

3.2. Prevalence of intestinal parasites contamination on vegetables

Among the vegetables samples examined, Solanum macrocarpon (egg plants leaf) had the

highest intestinal parasitic infestation rate of 15.56%, followed by Brassica oleracea (cabbage)

11.11%, Telferia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) 10.00%, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) 7.22%,

Lycopacicum esculentum (tomatoes) 5.56% and Solanum gilo (garden egg) had the least

contaminant rate of 3.33%. A gross percentage of 52.78% of intestinal parasite occurrence on the

vegetables was recorded (Table 2). Table 3 shows the prevalence of parasites found in the

various vegetable samples examined in all the six markets. A total of 30 samples were examined

from each market. Sample from Ekeonunwa market had the highest load of intestinal parasite 29

(16.11%) with hookworm as the most prevalent, while samples from Afor Izombe market had the

least 8 (4.45%). The most prevalent parasite was hookworm 27 (15.00%) while Balatidium coli and

Giardia intestinalis were the least prevalent parasites with 3 (1.67%) and 3 (1.67%), Table 4

showed that there was significant difference on analysis of the prevalence of parasites in different

vegetables examined in different locations. Solanum macrocarpon with mean value of 3.11,

statistically had the highest level of contamination, compared to other vegetables while Solanum

gilo had the least level of contamination with mean value of 0.67. The table further shows that

there was significant difference in the level of contamination between samples at P<0.05.


Vegetables from Ekeonunwa market were highly contaminated (with a mean value of 4.83) while

those from Afor Izombe had the least (with a mean value of 1.33) Table 5. Hookworm recorded the

highest in order of prevalence (with mean value of 4.50) while Balatidium coli was the least (with

mean value of 0.50). Statistically, there was significant difference between markets as well as the

parasites at P<0.05.


Table 2: Distribution of different species of intestinal parasites (eggs/cysts) on vegetables sold in parts of Imo State

Vegetables Parasites

Ascaris Balatidium Enterobius Entameoba Giardia Hookworm Strongyloides Trichuris Taenia sp. Total Prevalence

lumbricoides coli vermicularis histolytica intestinalis stercoralis trichiura

(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

Telferia occidentalis 4 (4.21) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 1 (1.05) 4 (4.21) 3 (3.16) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 18 (18.95) 10.00

Solanum macrocarpon 5 (5.26) 0 (0.00) 2 (2.11) 4 (4.21) 1 (1.05) 8 (8.42) 4 (4.21) 2 (2.11) 2 (2.11) 28 (29.47) 15.56

Brassica oleracea 4 (4.21) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 3 (3.16) 0 (0.00) 6 (6.32) 2 (2.11) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 20 (21.05) 11.11

Lycopercicum esculentum 3 (3.16) 0 (0.00) 0 (0.00) 2 (2.11) 0 (0.00) 3 (3.16) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 10 (10.53) 5.56

Cucumis sativus 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 3 (3.16) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 4 (4.21) 2 (2.11) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 13 (13.68) 7.22

Solanum gilo 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 2 (2.11) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 0 (0.00) 6 (6.32) 3.33

Total (%) 18 (18.95) 3 (3.16) 8 (8.42) 12 (12.63) 3 (3.16) 27 (28.42) 13 (13.68) 4 (4.21) 7 (7.37) 95 (100.00) 52.78

(%: percentage infestation with intestinal parasites)


Table 3: Prevalence of different species of intestinal parasite (eggs/cysts) on vegetables in all the six markets

Parasites Study Locations

Owerri Zone Total (%) Okigwe Zone Total (%) Orlu Zone Total (%)

Ezinihitte L.G.A. Owerri Municipal Okigwe L.G.A. Obowo L.G.A. Orlu L.G.A. Oguta L.G.A.

Nkwo-Mbaise Ekeonunwa Eke-Okigwe Malaysia Orlu international Afor-Izombe Total (%) Prevalence (%)

market (%) market (%) market (%) market (%) market (%) market (%)

Ascaris lumbricoides 3 (3.16) 6 (6.32) 9 (9.47) 4 (4.21) 2 (2.11) 6 (6.32) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 3 (3.16) 18 (18.95) 10.00

Balatidium coli 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1(1.05) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1(1.05) 3 (3.16) 1.67

Enterobius vermicularis 2 (2.11) 3 (3.16) 5 (5.26) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 0 (0.00) 2 (2.11) 8 (8.42) 4.44

Entameoba histolytica 2 (2.11) 5 (5.26) 7 (7.37) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 3 (3.16) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 12 (12.63) 6.67

Giardia intestinalis 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 3 (3.16) 1.67

Hookworm 5 (5.26) 7 (7.37) 12 (12.63) 5 (5.26) 5 (5.26) 10 (10.53) 3 (3.16) 2 (2.11) 5 (5.26) 27 (28.42) 15.00

Strongyloides stercoralis 1 (1.05) 4 (4.21) 5 (5.26) 3 (3.16) 1 (1.05) 4 (4.21) 2 (2.11) 2 (2.11) 4 (4.21) 13 (13.68) 7.22

Trichuris trichiura 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 4 (4.21) 2.22

Taenia sp. 1 (1.05) 2 (2.11) 3 (3.16) 2 (2.11) 1 (1.05) 3 (3.16) 1 (1.05) 0 (0.00) 1 (1.05) 7 (7.37) 3.89

Total (%) 15 (15.79) 29 (30.53) 44 (46.32) 18 (18.95) 12 (12.63) 30 (31.58) 13 (13.68) 8 (8.42) 21 (22.11) 95 (100.00) 52.78

Prevalence (%) 8.33 16.11 24.44 10.00 6.67 16.67 7.22 4.45 11.67 52.78

(%: percentage infestation with intestinal parasites)


Table 4: Level of contamination of different species of intestinal parasites (eggs/cysts) on vegetables sold in parts of Imo state

Vegetables Parasites

Ascaris Balatidium Enterobius Entameoba Giardia Hookworm Strongyloides Trichuris Taenia sp. Total Mean

lumbricoides coli vermicularis histolytica intestinalis stercoralis trichiura

Telferia occidentalis 4 1 1 2 1 4 3 1 1 18 2.00 b

Solanum macrocarpon 5 0 2 4 1 8 4 2 2 28 3.11 a

Brassica oleracea 4 1 1 3 0 6 2 1 2 20 2.22 b

Lycopercicum esculentum

3 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 1 10 1.11 c

Cucumis sativus 1 1 3 0 1 4 2 0 1 13 1.44 c

Solanum gilo 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 6 0.67 d

Total 18 3 8 12 3 27 13 4 7 95

Values with different superscript along the same column statistically differ significantly (P<0.05).


Table 5: Level of contamination of different species of intestinal parasites (eggs/cyst) on vegetables from different locations

Parasites Study locations

Owerri Zone Total Okigwe Zone Total Orlu Zone Total

Ezinihitte L.G.A. Owerri Municipal Okigwe L.G.A. Obowo L.G.A. Orlu L.G.A. Oguta L.G.A.

Nkwo-Mbaise Ekeonunwa Eke-Okigwe Malaysia Orlu international Afor-Izombe Total Mean

market market market market market market

Ascaris lumbricoides 3 6 9 4 2 6 1 2 3 18 3.00 a

Balatidium coli 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 0.50 d

Enterobius vermicularis 2 3 5 1 0 1 2 0 2 8 1.33 c

Entameoba histolytica 2 5 7 1 2 3 1 1 2 12 2.00 b

Giardia intestinalis 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 0.50 d

Hookworm 5 7 12 5 5 10 3 2 5 27 4.50 a

Strongyloides stercoralis 1 4 5 3 1 4 2 2 4 13 2.17 b

Trichuris trichiura 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 4 0.67 d

Taenia sp. 1 2 3 2 1 3 1 0 1 7 1.17 c

Total 15 29 44 18 12 30 13 8 21 95

Mean 2.50 b

4.83 a

4.89 3.00 b

2.00 c

3.33 2.17 c

1.33 d

2.33

Values with different superscript along the same horizontal and vertical axis statistically differ significantly (P<0.05).


4. Discussion The occurrence of pathogenic parasites on vegetables is an indication of the quality of the

overall process of cultivation, irrigation and post-harvest handling. The recovery of intestinal

parasite eggs/cysts from vegetables is of great public health significance. This is because

some vegetables may be eaten raw. This is true because the consumption of raw or

undercooked vegetables play a significant role in human nutrition, especially as source of

vitamins (C, A, B6, thiamine, niacin, E), minerals and dietary fiber (Gruda, 2005; Eni et al.,

2010). Vegetables are eaten raw in two ways. The most popular is the health drink method

whereby the vegetable are mashed uncooked and taken for blood-building purposes. The

vegetables involved in this method are Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Solanum macrocarpon

(egg plants leaf) and Telferia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin). The second method is through

salad and/or suya (local roasted meat delicacy). Vegetables involved in this method are

Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Solanum gilo (garden egg) and

Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato).

The presence of Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Entameoba

histolytica, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia sp., Trichuris trichiura, Balatidium coli and

Giardia intestinalis, might have resulted from contaminated dust or rain splashes of faecal

contaminated soil (WHO, 1991). The result is similar to Ogunleye, Babatunde and Ogbolu

(2010), and Mays, Samia, Mona, Azza, Salah and Amera (2014) who reported 30.3% and

29.6% cases of parasitic contamination in Western parts of Nigeria and Egypt respectively.

Also Nuhu, James and Dauda (2012) reported hookworms as the most prevalent on

vegetables sold in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. However, Amaechi, Ineregbu and

Nwokeji (2011), Simon-Oke, Afolabi and Obasola (2014), and Nuhu et al., (2012) recorded

Ascaris lumbricoides as the highest prevalent parasite.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites infestation of vegetables observed in this study is

congruent with some observations in different regions of the world. Infection of vegetables

from different markets varied. The highest number (30.53%) of infected vegetables was

found at Ekeonunwa market with hookworm as the most prevalent parasite while the least

contaminated vegetables were found at Afor-Izombe market (8.42%). Hookworm, Ascaris

lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis and Entameoba histolytica were common in all the

markets.

This study revealed the potential risk of contracting intestinal parasite infections through

ingestion of locally grown unwashed vegetables. Reduction of the risk associated with raw

vegetables can be achieved through control of faecal pollution in the farms during

harvesting, distribution, or in retail markets, food-service facilities or in homes. Farmers

should, therefore, ensure that vegetables are grown hygienically while minimizing or

completely discouraging the use of sewage or waste water with potential risks of transmitting

infectious pathogens. Vegetable sellers and consumers should endeavour to wash all

products properly before selling and consumption. This can be achieved through proper

washing in clean saline water.

5. Conclusion

Vegetables consumed by people are quite often contaminated with parasites, more

especially by intestinal parasites. This is an indication that humans are always at risk of

infection especially as vegetables are naturally popular in the diet of people of all classes.


Besides these, practice of basic food safety rules may ensure safety prior to consumption

through washing and disinfection.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites on Some Vegetables Sold ... · in combination demonstrate considerable antioxidant activity of important health ... (Finotti, Bertone & Vivanti,