Assessment of intestinal parasites of fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Fresh fruits and vegetables form an integral part of a healthy and nutritious diet. They are also potential conduits of transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens to hosts. This study aims to evaluate the level of parasitic contamination of selected fruits and vegetables across peri-urban markets in Ilorin metropolis. Fruits and vegetable samples were washed in normal saline solutions. Parasites in the wash solutions were concentrated by sedimentation method. Parasite detection was carried out using a binocular microscope and identification by comparison with the key from atlas of parasitology. The relationship between variables at 5% level of significance was determined by Pearson's chi-square analysis. Two hundred and thirteen (213) fruit and vegetable samples were assessed for parasitic contamination. Thirteen (13) parasites (5 protozoans and 8 helminths), namely: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Balantidium coli, Isospora coli, Schistosoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola spp., Toxocara spp., and Ancylostoma duodenale, were detected and evaluated.  Cabbage and lettuce were the most contaminated at 38.5% prevalence each. This is followed by Fluted pumpkin, Tomatoes, Carrot, Cucumber, Spinach and green pepper with 32.4%, 26.9%, 23.0%, 22.2%, 18.8%, and 7.5%, prevalence. The obtained order of prevalence of intestinal parasites was:  G. lamblia > S. stercoralis/Taenia spp. > E. histolytica > A. lumbricoides/A. duodenale > B. coli/E. coli.