Parasitic Contamination Of Vegetables Research Articles

Nutritional Significance and Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review

Vegetables are plants consumed whole or in parts. Furthermore, they have long been recognized as a significant source of sustenance. The current study reviews vegetables' nutritional attributes and health benefits. This paper also outlines the main parasites that cause vegetable contamination. Moreover, vegetable components, such as leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, seeds, and fruits, can be used to feed humans. In addition, they have relatively few calories to consume regularly. It also contains a lot of water and fiber. The World Health Organization advises consuming 400 grams of non-starchy veggies daily to enhance general health. Vegetables have an essential role in disease prevention and therapy. Their consumption lowers the risk of many cancers, regulates blood pressure and heart disease, avoids blocked arteries, fights obesity, improves cardiovascular health, improves skin health, and promotes digestive health. Nonetheless, vegetables are a major cause of foodborne diseases in both people and animals. It can, for example, constitute a route for the transmission of numerous parasites infections. For instance, they may be a route of transmission for various parasitic pathogens. Several investigations and study projects have documented the contamination of numerous kinds of vegetables with parasites that are liable for transmitting diseases, including Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Strongyloides spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura, Toxocara spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and plenty of others. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain vegetable contamination with these parasites. Some of these include the use of contaminated water for irrigation, contamination from the soil, exposure to environmental factors like rain and wind, transmission by animals and insects acting as vectors for parasites, contamination during harvesting, processing, and storage, as well as during transportation of vegetables to markets. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to enhance hygiene practices, promote education and awareness, and foster a clean culture. Additionally, using clean water and proper tools is recommended. Washing vegetables thoroughly before consumption reduces parasite-related infections.

Microbial and Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables in Developing Countries and Their Food Safety Guidelines

The safety of humans is of paramount importance in the vegetable production chain. Evidence of microbial and parasitic contamination of these products poses a great threat to consumers. This is an emerging issue the world is battling, and it is still in the process of unravelling. However, one of the contributing factors responsible for the rapid spread of these pathogens to millions of people among other factors is the distribution of food in our food systems. The purpose of this study was to draw the attention of producers, retailers, consumers, and various stakeholders to the occurrence and potential hazard of these organisms, their contamination origin, and food safety protocols. Among the food system, vegetables play a major role, and their consumption has increased as they form a larger portion of daily diets. This urge for healthy diets coupled with changing dietary habits and human population explosion has therefore accelerated their production. This has resulted in parasitic and microbial contamination gaining grounds in salad vegetables, and as such, a wide range of microbes such as Escherichia coli O157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shigella, and Staphylococcus, and parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Cystoisospora belli, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichuris trichiura, and Ascaris lumbricoides have been isolated from them. Therefore, major routes for salad vegetable contamination and prevention methods have been pointed out in this review article. The topic of protective countermeasures will also be covered here in this review. Notwithstanding, several control measures have been reported to be effective and efficient in removing or eliminating pathogens, including treatment of irrigation water and fertilizers, use of disinfectants like vinegar and saltwater, irradiation, ozone, and bacteriophages. Though consumption of vegetables and salads is encouraged due to their nutritional advantage, appropriate systems should be put in place to ensure their safety.

Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables sold in open markets: a public health threat

Abstract Vegetables eating raw are a leading source of transmission of infective forms of pathogenic internal parasites among human beings. This research was conducted from April to October, 2017 to assess the parasitic contamination of vegetables sold at main vegetable markets in districts Lower Dir and Peshawar, Pakistan. Eight hundred specimens of different vegetables were purchased and soaked in physiological saline solution, shaken with a mechanical shaker for 20 minutes and processed by sedimentation concentration method. Results revealed that only 19.7% (n=158/800) of the vegetables were found to be contaminated with single or multiple parasite species. Ascaris lumbricoides (the large round worm) 12.3% (n=99/800) was the most commonly detected pathogen and Taenia saginata (the beef tapeworm) 1.62% (n=13/800) was the least frequently detected one. Interestingly, significant p value (p>0.05 at 95%CI) between the number of examined and contaminated for all the variables studied including education status of the vendors, markets location, type of vegetables, means of display, washed before display, washing source of water and market type. The findings of this study evidenced that consumption of raw vegetables possesses great risk of getting parasitic infections in Lower Dir and Peshawar districts, Pakistan. Instructing the sellers and the public about parasitic disease transfer and their hygiene can reduce the infection rate of parasites of human origin.

Parasitic Contamination Of Vegetables In Three Selected Local Government Areas Of Adamawa State

Parasitic Contamination Of Vegetables In Three Selected Local Government Areas Of Adamawa State

Parasites on Vegetables Sold at Masaka Market, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The consumption of fresh vegetables serves as source of important nutrients in the body; however, parasitic infection from the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables is on the increase. This study aimed at identifying the parasitic contamination of Vegetables sold at Masaka market New Karu, Nasarawa State. A total of 240 samples of vegetables were examined by sedimentation concentration after washing using normal saline. The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 52.5%. Fluted pumpkin (93.3%) was the most contaminated vegetable while cucumber and apple (16.7%) were the least contaminated vegetables (P>0.05). Strongyloides stercoralis(28.9%) was the most frequently detected parasite followed by Taenia spp (18.8%), Entamoeba coli (17.2%), Hookworm (13.3%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.8%) and Toxocara spp (5.5%) was the least detected parasite. The parasitic contamination of different vegetables shows that Tomatoes and Lettuce had the highest poly-parasitic contamination of four species of parasites, whereas Apple and Cucumber had the least poly-parasitic contamination of one parasite. Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest infestation (37.5%) of the water samples used to refresh the vegetables. Vegetables that were washed before display for selling was significantly associated with reduced parasitic contamination (P>0.05). Vegetables are potential sources of transmission for intestinal parasites in the study area, hence, proper washing of fruits and cooking of vegetables is required to reduce parasitic infections.
 Keywords: Vegetables, Parasitic contamination, Masaka, Karu, Nasarawa

Evaluation of Vegetable Contamination with Medically Important Helminths and Protozoans in Calabar, Nigeria

Aims: Vegetables are usually exposed to parasitic ova, larvae or oocyst during cultivation, irrigation, storage, transportation or while processing for consumption. Consumption of raw, unwashed and improperly cooked vegetables is considered a risk factor for transmission of intestinal parasites. This study assessed the parasitic contamination of vegetables and also determined factors associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables in selected markets in Calabar, Cross River State.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Markets within Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria between September and October, 2018.
 Methodology: A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting data on factors associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables. 300 vegetable samples were purchased and processed from three different markets in Calabar for examination of parasitic contamination using direct wet mount and zinc sulphate floatation techniques.
 Results: 15.7% (47/300) of the vegetables sampled were positive for at least one parasite. The species and stages of parasites detected were larvae of Strongyloides, ova of Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm, and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Larvae of Strongyloides (11.3%) were the most frequently detected followed by ova of T. trichiura (1.7%) and Hookworm (1.7%) (P = 0.000). Among the five vegetable types sampled, waterleaf (40%) had the highest level of parasitic contamination followed by pumpkin (21.7%). Washing vegetables before display and the means of display were significantly associated with parasitic contamination (P = 0.000).
 Conclusion: Prevention of contamination is important in reducing food-borne parasitic infections and can be achieved through improved personal hygiene practices of farmers, vendors and consumers, proper washing of vegetables and improved sanitary conditions especially around markets where these vegetables are sold.

The occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp., and eggs of soil-transmitted helminths in market vegetables in the north of Iran.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of oocyst of Cryptosporidium sp., and egg of soil-transmitted helminths in market vegetables in the north of Iran. Fecal-oral transmission via consumption of contaminated food is the main route of transmission of intestinal parasites. Concerning the high risk of contamination of vegetable with intestinal parasites, raw consumption of crops can enhance the chance of transmission of intestinal parasites. In this study, we collected 34 pre-washed vegetable samples including spinach, mint, parsley, oregano, chives, savory, radish, coriander, basil and tarragon from local markets in Tonekabon City, North of Iran. All vegetable samples were washed using sterile PBS. Parasitological examinations, including direct examination and staining with Lugol's iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelsen were performed on the pellet resulted from the washing process. The findings showed that 14/34 (41.17%) of collected samples were contaminated with at least one parasite. Eggs of Toxocara sp., Ascaris sp., Fasciola sp., Toxoascaris leonine, Trichuris sp. and Enterobius together with free-living larvae, amoeba cyst, cyst of Entamoeba coli and oocyst of Cryptosporidium sp., were observed among the positive samples. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant correlation between parasitic contamination of vegetables and seasonal changes. This study signifies that some parasites due to their resistant cell wall usually remain in an environment with the harsh condition and thus, consumption of raw vegetables increases the risk of transmission of them.

A survey on parasitic contamination of leafy vegetables in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria

This study was designed to assess the degree of parasitic contamination of vegetables sold in some selected markets in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria between January and June 2014. Vegetable samples which includes Amaranthus spp (green leaf), Telfara Occidentalis (pumpkin leaf), Talinium triangulare (waterleaf), Solanum melongena (Gardenegg leaf) nd Ocimum gratissum (scent leaf) were bought and examined for parasitic contamination using wet preparation and Formal-ether Concentration Technique. Results obtained showed that of the 150 vegetables sampled, 66 (44%) had different parasitic stages. Solanum melongera (garden egg leaf) recorded highest contamination rate of 18 (60%), while Ocimum gratissum (scent leaf) was the least contaminated with 3 (10%) respectively. Parasiites encountered were Ascaris lumbricoides , Entamoeba histolytica , Strongyloi desstercoralis Trichuris trichura , hookworm, Taenia spp and Giardia lamblia with Entamoeba histolytica the most prevalent 17 (13.6%) while Trichuris trichura had the least prevalent with 2 (3.0%) respectively. The results showed that vegetables could be a potential source of parasitic infection, therefore thorough washing of all vegetables prior to consumption is recommended. Keywords: vegetable, markets, Ihiala LGA, parasites, contamination

Study on the parasitic and microbial contamination of vegetables, and the effect of washing procedures on their elimination in Ilam city

The risk of disease spread through water, fruits and vegetables contaminated through unclean waters varies from region to another. Springs and underground water resources are essentially free of germs or they have tolerable levels of germs; unless they are infected by surface water or human excreta. Scientific reports have shown that outbreaks of food-borne illnesses especially foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables are rising. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of washing procedures in eliminating of microbial and parasitic contamination of vegetables consumed in Ilam city. Multiple samples of vegetables were collected from five regions of the city (North- South- West- East- Center) about 1 kg from each shop and transferred to the laboratory. Then we put apiece in a dish containing five liters water; vegetable was washed into it and a sample was collected. Then we added to dish, 20 drops of dish soap and mixed it for a few minutes so that all of vegetable dipped in the foam. After a few minutes, the vegetable were washed with pure water. Another sample was collected from sewage of this water. For detection of microbes, we used two methods: formalin eater and direct microscopic observation. 86 samples were collected from five regions of city. 40.6% of them had parasitic contamination in scantling water of washing with pure water, and 43% had parasitic contamination in scantling water of washing with dish soap. 70.9% of them had parasitic and bacterial contamination in both wastewaters. There was no significant difference between washing with water and washing with dish soap for parasitic or bacterial contamination. Methods of washing in some types of vegetable may reduce effectively parasitic infection; but we found that washing with dish soap didn’t have any significant effect on reduction of microbial contamination.

Parasitic contamination of vegetables in Jos, Nigeria

Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos. Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods. Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%. Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables.