Abstract
Protozoan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp., can be transmitted to humans via accidental consumption of contaminated water, fresh produce and foodstuffs. There is a lack of epidemiological data about these pathogens in Morocco. Hence the aim of this study, which is the determination of their prevalence in some leafy greens and root vegetables sold in Marrakech. A total of 132 vegetable samples including carrot, coriander, lettuce, parsley and radish were purchased monthly from three different markets in Marrakech from March 2017 to January 2018, pre-treated and subjected to microscopic and molecular analyses. Of the 132 samples of vegetables analyzed by qPCR, the overall rate of protozoan was 21.21% (28/132); 22 samples were found to be contaminated with T. gondii, 6 with G. duodenalis, and none was positive for C. parvum/hominis. Whereas, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining allowed the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in 3% (4/132) of examined samples. This survey on the presence of protozoan parasites in fresh vegetables revealed that vegetables sold in Marrakech are contaminated by these protozoan parasites, as it showed that leafy green vegetables were more susceptible for parasitic contamination than root ones.
Highlights
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric water-borne parasites pathogenic in humans and various other mammals
Cite as: Berrouch S, Escotte-Binet S, Amraouza Y, Flori P, Aubert D, Villena I, et al Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii detection in fresh vegetables consumed in Marrakech, Morocco
C. parvum/hominis were not detected in any vegetable sample, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique, whereas 3% (4/132)
Summary
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric water-borne parasites pathogenic in humans and various other mammals. They are responsible for giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis. Their transmission forms are cysts and oocysts, respectively. They are usually excreted in high numbers in the feces of infected hosts and can contaminate water, soil, fruits and vegetables. WhereCorresponding author: Jamaleddine Hafid, Laboratory of Food, Environment and Health, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Marrakech, Morocco. Protozoan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp., can be transmitted to humans via accidental consumption of contaminated water, fresh produce and foodstuffs. The aim of this study, which is the determination of their prevalence in some leafy greens and root vegetables sold in Marrakech
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