Prevalence and Molecular Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium ssp. and Giardia lamblia in Fresh Vegetables from Kurdistan Region/Iraq

Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Of the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot (Daucus carota) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper (Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado (Persea americana) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana (Musa acuminata) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant (p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling (p < 0.001). The study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.

BackgroundConsuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.ResultOf the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot (Daucus carota) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper (Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado (Persea americana) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana (Musa acuminata) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant (p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.

BackgroundFresh vegetables are considered as vital nutrients of a healthy diet as they supply the body with essential supplements. The consumption of raw vegetables is the main way for transmission of intestinal parasitic organisms. This study was aimed at detecting the parasitic contamination in fresh vegetables sold in two central open-aired markets in Khartoum state, Sudan.MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, a total of 260 fresh vegetable samples and 50 water samples used to sprinkle vegetable(s) were collected from two central open-aired markets (namely; Elshaabi and Central markets) during November 2011 to May 2012. The samples were microscopically examined for detection of parasitic life forms using standardized parasitological techniques for protozoans and helminthes worms.ResultsOf the 260 fresh vegetable samples, 35 (13.5 %) were microscopically positive for intestinal parasites whereas 7/50 (14 %) of water samples used to sprinkle vegetable(s) were found positives. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 36.4 % (4/11) while cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were not contaminated. The identified protozoans and helminthes were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, T. trichiura and hookworms. The most predominant parasite encountered was E. histolytica/dispar (42.9 %) whereas both T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides (2.9 %) were the least detected parasites. None of the fresh vegetables had single parasitic contamination. The highest percentages found in water samples used to sprinkle vegetable(s) was for Strongyloides larvae 60 % (3/5). It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Elshaabi market was higher compared with Central market. However, there was no significant correlation between the type of vegetables and existence of parasites in both markets and a high significant relationship was observed between the type of parasite and total prevalence in fresh vegetables (p = 0.000).ConclusionThe study has identified a moderate rate of fresh vegetables contaminated with protozoan and helminthes. Contaminated fresh vegetables in central markets of Khartoum state may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, and the water used by greengrocers to sprinkle vegetable(s) can be implicated in vegetable contamination.

Background: Fresh vegetables supply the body with essential supplements. The consumption of raw vegetables and fruits are among the ways for transmission of intestinal parasitic organisms to human beings. This study was aimed at detecting the parasitic contamination in fresh vegetables sold at the central open-aired market of Tarcha town, Ethiopia.Methods: A total of 270 fresh vegetables and fruit samples were collected from the main market of Tarcha town during August 1, 2017–August 22, 2017. The samples were microscopically examined for detection of medically important parasites after washing with 500 mL normal saline and 24-hr sedimentation of the washing solution followed by centrifuging at 2000 g for 5 mins. After centrifugation, the supernatant was decanted leaving the sediment. Finally, the sediment was examined under a light microscope for protozoans and helminths worms.Results: Of the 270 fresh vegetable and fruit samples, 115 (42.6%) were found positive for intestinal parasites. A high level of contamination in fresh vegetable and fruit samples was recorded in cabbage 71.1% (32/45) while tomato was the least contaminated 24.4% (11/45). The identified medically important parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Toxocara spp, Hymenolepis diminuta, and Cystoisospora belli. The most predominant parasite encountered was Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%) whereas Cystoisospora belli (2.6%) the least detected. All of the vegetables and fruits that were contaminated were with more than one parasite species. A statistically significant association between the type of vegetables and the presence of parasites was also observed (p=0.002).Conclusion: This study has shown that fruits and vegetables which are sold in the study area are highly contaminated with medically important parasites. Fruits and vegetables sold in the study area may play a role in the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans. Effective and comprehensive prevention measures should be taken to ensure food safety. Relevant bodies should work on addressing the issue of high rate of vegetable and fruit contamination in the study area.

A total of 81 samples of various leafy vegetables viz., Rocket (Eruca sativa), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Corchorus (Corchorus olitorius), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Radish (Raphanus sativus), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Mint (Mentha sachalinensis) and Green onions (Allium cepa) were collected from 20 different areas in Riyadh region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Liquid-Liquid Extraction of extraction partitioning method and confirmation by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer for the presence of various pesticide residues was performed. Pesticide residues were detected in all the collected samples with varying concentrations. A variety of pesticides including organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, herbicides, acaricides and insecticides have been identified in the samples. While the residue levels were low for most pesticides, higher levels of chlorpyrifos (0.123 mg/kg and resmethrin (0.1 mg/kg) were found in Rocket, carbaryl (0.92 mg/kg) in spinach and corchorus (0.116 mg/kg), permethrin (total cis + trans permethrin) inlettuce (0.103 mg/kg) and coriander (0.126 mg/kg), and cypermethrin in parsley (0.126 ppm). The highest maximum residue limit (MRL) values of pesticide residues on leafy vegetables of 0.10 mg/kg were observed for carbaryl in Spinach and Corchorus, whereas in Parsley an MRL of 0.5 mg/kg was found. The current research shows that in some leafy vegetables, higher doses of pesticides were found.

Fresh and raw vegetables may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the level of parasitic contamination in vegetables which are consumed raw in Aden governorate, Yemen. This is a descriptive analytic cross-sectional study in which six local markets were randomly selected. A total of 216 fresh vegetable samples including parsley (Petroselinum sativum), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), leek (Allium porrum), green onion (Allium cepa), and tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) were purchased from the selected markets and analysed using direct and iodine wet mount smear preparation. Modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Zinc sulphate flotation method were also used. Smears were examined by under the light microscope. Out of 216 vegetable samples, 166 (76.9%) were contaminated with one or more parasites. Parsley was the most contaminated (97.2%), followed by watercress (94.4%), lettuce (88.9%), leek (80.6%), green onion (77.8%), whereas the least contamination rate was in tomato (22.2%). Statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination rate was found between different types of vegetables (P &lt; 0.05). The most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 75 (24.4%), followed by cyst of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 64 (20.9%), and Entamoeba coli 52 (16.8%). Significant difference was reported in prevalence rate between different parasitic species (????&lt; 0.05). Vegetable samples collected from Dar Saad market, show the highest contamination rate (94.4%) while vegetables collected from Al Mansura market showed the lowest contamination rate(50.0%). However, the parasitic contamination rates were not significantly different for samples collected from different markets. This study highlighted the importance of raw vegetables as the potential source of transmission for intestinal parasites to humans. Prevention methods such as proper washing or cooking of vegetables before consumption should be conveyed to consumers. In addition, comprehensive health education and hygienic practices, including washing hands after handling vegetables, should be provided to sellers and consumers.

This study assessed parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads from Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Water and soil samples from various farms were also assessed for possible sources of contamination. Fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads were examined for parasites using saline as floatation medium, stained with Lugol’s iodine and Ziehl Neelsen and observed under X40 objective lens. Data gathered were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Of the 271 fresh vegetables examined, Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest prevalence (26.94%), followed by Giardia lamblia (19.93%). However, of the 120 salad samples examined, Giardia lamblia was most prevalent (24.17%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (19.17%). Fasciola spp., Moniezia, Toxocara spp., Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba histolytica, were other parasites recovered from both fresh vegetables and salads and also from soil and water on the farms. Fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads were contaminated with parasites of both human and animal origin, similar to those recovered from soil and water on the farms. Farm soils and water are potential sources of parasitic infestations on vegetables. Consumers of fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads are at risk of diarrheal diseases and parasitic zoonoses.

BackgroundOpportunistic infections are a ubiquitous complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common opportunistic intestinal pathogens in humans. In China, despite the number of HIV/AIDS patients being extremely large, only a few studies have investigated opportunistic infections caused by intestinal pathogens in this patient population. The aims of this study were to elucidate the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi in HIV/AIDS patients.MethodsWe collected fecal specimens from 155 HIV/AIDS patients (one from each patient). All of the specimens were examined for the presence of the pathogens by genotyping using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene for Cryptosporidium spp.; the triosephosphate isomerase, β-giardin and glutamate dehydrogenase genes for G. duodenalis; and the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene for E. bieneusi. The Cryptosporidium-positive specimens were further subtyped by polymerase chain reacion and sequencing of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene.ResultsSix (3.9%), three (1.9%), and eight (5.2%) HIV/AIDS patients were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in occurrence rate between the groups by gender, clinical symptom (diarrhea), and CD4+ cell count. Four Cryptosporidium species were identified: Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 2), Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 1), Cryptosporidium meleagridis (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 2). Furthermore, two C. hominis subtypes (IeA12G3T3 and IaA28R4) were detected. Three G. duodenalis-positive specimens were successfully amplified and sequenced at the triosephosphate isomerase and β-giardin loci, which led to the identification of assemblages C and B, respectively. Seven genotypes (D, Type IV, EbpC, Peru11, EbpD, A, and I) were identified in E. bieneusi-positive specimens.ConclusionsOur findings should increase awareness of AIDS-related opportunistic intestinal pathogens, and indicate the need for routine examination in clinical practice for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi. Homology analyses of the three intestinal pathogens at the nucleotide and/or amino acid levels indicated their zoonotic potential.Graphical

Background/Aim: Outbreaks of human infections associated with consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables have occurred with increased frequency during the past decade. This study evaluated parasitic contamination of locally produced dry season vegetables cultivated in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. Materials/Method: Vegetables, water and soil samples selected from vegetable farms were investigated. A total of 160 vegetable samples, 15 soil samples and 15 water samples were investigated. The samples were washed separately in saline and the resulting solution was subjected to standard sedimentation and flotation techniques. Physiochemical analysis of soil and water samples was done using the standard DREM technique. Furthermore, the water samples were investigated for C. parvum using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Results: Parasitic contamination of the different vegetables were Teifeairia occidentalis 242 (18.1%), Amaranthus hybridus 193 (15.1%), Cucurbita maxima 192 (15.0%), Solanum species 191 (14.9%), Ocimum grattisimum 136 (10.6%), Solanun nigrum 114 (8.9%), Gongronema latifolium 101 (7.9%), Talinum triangulare 73 (5.7%) and Murraya koenigii 39 (3.0%).The parasites identified included; Ascaris lumbricoides , Taenia spp, Fasciola hepatica , Schistosoma spp, Trichuris spp, Enterobius vermicularis , Toxocara .spp, Giardia lamblia , Entamoeba spp and Cryptosporidium parvum . Entamoeba species was the highest contaminating parasite 529 (41.3%) while Schistosoma haematobium was the least,14 (1.1%). Physiochemical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between parasite load in water and total suspended solutes (TSS) (r = 0.59, p = 0.021) and turbidity ( r = 0.55, p = 0.032) and also a strong positive correlation between parasite load in the soil and organic matter (OM), (r = 0.71, p = 0.003) and silt (r = 0.63, p = 0.011). Conclusion: These vegetables should be considered as potential sources of parasitic infections, especially when they are not properly cooked (the type called ‘Half Done’) or consumed raw like the local salad (abacha) because of the high risk of parasitic infections such as giardiasis, amoebiasis, enterobiasis, cyptosporidiosis, ascariasis, etc. Public enlightenment is necessary to enhance the adoption of effective food safety approaches by agronomic practices of vegetable farmers which will in turn reduce foodborne illnesses. Keywords: Parasite, contamination, vegetables, Enugu

We analyzed the presence of human enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in Rio Branco, Acre state, in Brazil. We sampled 30 units of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) and 30 units of arugula ( Eruca sativa ) from supermarkets and free markets in the city. The samples were analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation technique to search for parasitic forms. Helminth eggs were detected: superfamily Ancylostomatoidea, Trichuris trichiura and Taenia sp.; and nematode larvae, as well as protozoan cysts: Iodamoeba butschlii , Endolimax nana , Entamoeba coli , Blastocystis hominis , Isospora spp., Giardia duodenalis and E. histolytica . These results indicate that the consumption of these vegetables in natura may pose a risk to the health population, and education regarding proper handling and hygiene is necessary. Keywords: intestinal parasites; Lactuca sativa ; Eruca sativa ; Amazonia.

Cryptosporidiosis is endemic worldwide; the highest rates are found in low- and middle-income countries. Cryptosporidium is transmitted via the fecal–oral route. Cryptosporidium spp. are important parasites in the small intestines of humans and animals. Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of diarrhea among humans in Egypt; however, data on Cryptosporidium genotypes in symptomatic patients from Egypt is scarce. The purpose of the current study was to identify the prevalence and various genotypes of Cryptosporidium species that circulate among diarrheal children in Egypt. A total of 185 stool samples from diarrheic children at the Hospital of Abu El Rish, Cairo were collected and examined using the modified acid-fast (AF) stain. Cryptosporidium-positive samples were conducted to multilocus genotyping using three genetic markers (COWP, Hsp90, and SSU rRNA) in various n-PCR-RFLP reactions. Co-infections with the other intestinal protozoa were detected using the direct wet mount as well as formol-ether concentration procedures. Of the 185 diarrheic subjects, 50 were confirmed positive for intestinal parasites (27.0%), including 18 that tested positive for Cryptosporidium either microscopically or molecularly. The other detected protozoa were Blastocystis hominis (24.0%), Giardia intestinalis (22.0%), and Entamoeba histolytica (18.0%). Two Cryptosporidium species were identified; Cryptosporidium hominis was the predominant species (83.33%) followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (16.66%). This study updates the status of cryptosporidiosis between children in Egypt and highlights the urgent need for establishing effective control strategies against this ubiquitous protozoon.

In the recent years (2010–2016), leafy vegetables have been found to be hosts for many new diseases. The causal agents of these diseases had often been known on other crops, but have appeared for the first time throughout the world on several cultivated vegetable hosts such as: Lactuca sativa, Diplotaxis spp., Eruca sativa, Valerianella olitoria, Ocimum basilicum and Spinacia oleracea. This review considers pathogens such as Alternaria spp. on basil and rocket, Fusarium equiseti on lettuce, rocket and radish, and Myrothecium verrucaria and M. roridum on lamb’s lettuce, spinach and wild rocket. All these pathogens are seed-transmitted, a biological characteristic that raises the risk of worldwide dissemination. The role of climate change and globalization on the appearance of such diseases, and potential tools for their management under a climate change scenario, is discussed using leafy vegetables as a case study.

Aliarcobacter is a Gram-negative rod that can cause disease in both animals and humans. Several studies have evidenced its presence in a wide variety of foods. Given that the number of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to the consumption of vegetables has increased worldwide and that there is a lack of information about the occurrence of Aliarcobacter spp. in these, the aim of this study was to evaluate its presence and the occurrence of virulence factors in both fresh and ready-to-eat vegetable samples. 180 vegetable samples from Costa Rica were analyzed for the presence of Aliarcobacter spp., including 90 pre-cut vegetable packages and 90 fresh vegetables. Two (2.2%) of the isolates from pre-cut vegetables and 19 (21.1%) of the isolates obtained from fresh vegetables were confirmed as Aliarcobacter spp. One of the isolates from the pre-cut vegetable samples was identified as A. butzleri. For the fresh vegetables, 11 isolates were identified as A. skirrowii, one as A. butzleri, and the 7 remaining isolates could not be identified at a species level. There is an 87.5% positivity for hecA and 93.8% for pldA, virulence genes in strains isolated from fresh produce, contrasting with an absolute absence from pre-cut vegetable-isolated strains. These results evidence the presence of Aliarcobacter on fresh and pre-cut vegetables from Costa Rica and the potential hazard it might represent for public health.

In order to estimate the germinative performance of seeds of medicinal plants an experiment was performed with a pretreatment of seeds in vitro culture. The effect of pretreatments (Soaking in water and sulfuric acid ’’SA’’) on the GC and in vitro germinative performance of the seeds of fourteen medicinal plants namely: Nigella sativa, Lupinus mutabilis, Ricinus communis, Glycine max, Peganum harmala, Lepidium sativum, Hyoscamus muticus, Petroselinum crispum, Anacyclus valentinus, Ajuga iva, Salvia hispanica, Sesamum indicum, Eruca sativa and Portulaca oleracea were studied.The seeds of the plants studied are germinated in the soil firstly and in a Murashig and Skoug (MS) culture medium. Germination performance (germination capacity’’GC’’ and germination rate’’GR’’) were measured for each treatment. The results obtained showed that the pretreatments make it possible to demonstrate the germination, and to determine the optimal pretreatments for each species studied. L. sativum, E. sativa, R. communis, N. sativa, H. muticus, P. harmala, P. crispum are germinating species easy in the soil, while L. sativum and P. harmala, N. sativa, L. mutabilis, R. communis are species that require pretreatment with soaking in water. While soaking in SA is necessary for germination of H. miticus and P. crispum. In MS culture medium, the best GR were observed for all seeds except A. valentinus, A. iva, P. harmala and S. indicum. The species studied showed a varied behavior with respect to pretreatments at the time of their germination.

Objectives: Fresh vegetables are crucial for a healthy diet, providing the body with essential supplements. Intestinal parasites/commensals are transmitted primarily through the consumption of raw contaminated vegetables. This study aimed to investigate intestinal parasite/commensal contamination in randomly selected common and representative fresh vegetable produce sold in various local markets in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal. Methods: Between August 2023 and February 2024, collected vegetable samples ( n = 250) of carrots, radishes, cabbage, coriander and tomatoes were examined for parasitic contamination via the normal saline sedimentation technique and iodine wet mount following standardised protocols. Parasites/commensals were identified based on morphometric features using standard light microscopy following sedimentation and iodine staining techniques. Results: Of the 250 fresh vegetable samples analysed, 123 (49.2%) were contaminated with at least one intestinal parasite/commensal. The coriander samples presented the highest contamination rate (75.5%), whereas the tomatoes presented the lowest rate (33.3%). Overall, five protozoan parasites/commensals ( Balantidium coli, Entamoeba coli, Eimeria spp ., Giardia duodenalis and Isospora spp.) and six helminthic parasites ( Strongyloides spp., hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides , Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis spp. and Toxocara spp.) were detected. Notably, Strongyloides spp. was the most common parasite detected (27.2%), followed by B. coli (18%), E. coli (16.8%), hookworms (9.2%), A. lumbricoides (6.4%) and G. duodenalis (5.6%). In addition, 75% contamination of coriander, which is mostly consumed uncooked, was detected, which is alarming. Method of display, vender’s hygiene and method of transportation indicated some role in vegetable contamination. Conclusions: The high rate of parasitic contamination in marketed vegetables underscores the urgent need for a sustainable monitoring system. Furthermore, health education on the safety of fresh vegetables is necessary to safeguard consumer health.