Prevalence of Parasites of Public Health Significance in Vegetables Sold in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vegetables are vital for good health but can serve as a means of transmission of parasitic pathogens to man. JUSTIFICATION: There is increase consumption of vegetables due to general awareness of the health benefits. This research intends to explore suggestive management strategies and control in handling vegetables to reduce or if possible eliminate food borne parasites. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The study was to determine parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables with objective to determine the prevalence of parasites of medical importance in vegetables sold in Jos market. METHODOLOGY: A total of 575 samples of fresh vegetables; Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrot, Spinach, Green Pepper, Cucumber, Beetroot, Tomatoes, Garden egg, and Green bean; were bought from sellers from May-June 2016 and examined for helminthes eggs, larva and cysts using wet mount and concentration techniques. RESULT: Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Strongyloides stercoralis, cyst of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lambia accounted for 7.3%, 8.1%, 4.8%, 58.1%, 9.7% and 12.1% respectively. Cucumber, carrot, cabbage beetroot, spinach, lettuce, green pepper, green beans, garden egg and tomatoes had 0%, 26.7%, 31.7%, 5.7%, 40%, 53.3%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 13.3% and 25% respectively with overall prevalence of 21.6% and strongyloides stercoralis was most prevalent and Trichuris trichiura least prevalent found in cabbage and tomatoes. Lettuce has the highest contamination rate 32(53.3%), followed by spinach 24(40%) while beetroot had the least (5.7%). CONCLUSION: Vegetables in Jos Metropolis are contaminated with parasites. There should be proper washing as they could serve as source of transmission of parasites when eaten raw or undercooked.