Geohelminth Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Selected Markets within Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State.

Abstract

Vegetables and fruits form an essential part of the human diet as they provide vitamins, fibre and minerals. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of geohelminths contamination in fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets within Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state. Fifteen (15) samples each of five different fruits and vegetables which include; carrot (Daucus carota), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Fluted pumpkins (Telfairia occidentalis), Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare), and Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) were purchased from five local markets within Yenagoa Metropolis Bayelsa State, making a total of 375 samples. Sedimentation method and microscopy was used to determine the presence of geohelminth ova in the fruits and vegetables. Parasites observed were compared with the Atlas of Parasitology for proper identification. The results from the laboratory analysis revealed that geohelminths were more prevalent in Tombia market (18.7%), followed by Swali (13.3%), Opolo (9.3%), Kpansia (6.7%) and Akenfa (4%). Among the geohelminths identified, Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence (35.9%), followed by Ancyclostoma duodenale (33.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (20.5%), while Trichuris trichiura recorded the lowest prevalence (10.3%). Carrot recorded the highest prevalence among the fruits and vegetables (17.3%), followed by pumpkin (13.3%), waterleaf and water melon recorded 9.3% prevalence each while cabbage recorded the least prevalence ( 2.7%). For a healthy society devoid of gastroenteritis, there is need for individuals, farmers, government, fruit and vegetable vendors to ensure fruit and vegetable hygiene.