Parasite Contamination of Freshly Harvested Vegetables from Selected Markets Located within Kano Metropolis

Abstract

Nigeria is among the countries with the highest population cases of infections with intestinal parasites in sub-Saharan Africa. The increase in consumption of leafy and root vegetables by population in Kano metropolis necessitated the need for a study to assess the types and scope of these parasitic organisms in vegetables consume in urban Kano. Vegetables produce obtained from most markets within Kano metropolis are mostly sourced from nearby irrigation farms that used relatively contaminated waters which provides suitable growth condition for disease causing organisms. This research study determines the presence of parasites of health importance and their level of contamination in selected vegetables (cabbage, lettuce Cucumber, carrot and onions) sold at various markets in Kano metropolis. Vegetable samples were purchased randomly under normal purchased conditions and about 200g each was weighed and washed according to the generally used method for washing vegetables. The samples were eluted followed by sonication in an already prepared buffered solution, filtered and examined for the presence of cysts, oocysts, and helminthes eggs and larvae. The eggs/cysts of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba species, Giardia intestinalis and Trichuiris species were observed. Among all the four markets involved in the study, “GanaKwari market recorded the highest number of eggs/cysts, been present in all the samples, followed by Kwa-kwaci Market with the presence of eggs/cysts in all the samples excluding cabbage. These are followed by Kofar Naisa market with all the samples contaminated but with less number of eggs/cysts. However, Sharada market recorded the lowest level of contaminants with only three of the samples containing eggs/cysts. However, among all the (5) samples collected, onions recorded the highest contamination, followed by cabbage and lettuce having the same, then cucumber and lastly carrots. The variation in the level of contamination among these markets may be attributed to the market type and the different water sources and means of display of these vegetables.