Zoonotic parasite contamination of some green, leafy and spicy vegetables sold in major markets of Makurdi metropolis, Benue state

Abstract

Consumption of contaminated vegetables can result in parasite ingestion with subsequent health problems. The spread of zoonotic parasites through contaminated vegetables is a complicated problem that requires attention to ensure food safety and protect public health. This study investigated the zoonotic parasitic contamination of some green, leafy, and spicy vegetables sold in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State. A cross-sectional study was designed in which four hundred green, leafy, and spicy vegetables consisting of five different vegetables, were collected from five markets in Makurdi town, Benue state. Sediments obtained by washing the vegetables with normal saline were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for five minutes before being subjected to flotation, sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the microscope at various magnifications. The overall prevalence of zoonotic parasites was 59.75%. Strongyloides spp. larvae (40.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. Oocyst (0.5%), Balantidium coli cyst and trophozoite (7%), Ascaris spp (5.75%), Taenia spp. (9%), Strongyle ova (4.5%), and Giardia lamblia cyst (1.5%) were identified. Results showed a significant relationship between vegetable type and parasite contamination of vegetables (p < 0.05), but no significant relationship between market location and parasite contamination (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites observed in this study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables. The study recommends public enlightenment of vegetable sellers and consumers in Makurdi on the importance of hand hygiene and safe handling of vegetables to prevent exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.