GEOHELMINTH CONTAMINATION OF COMMONLY CONSUMED VEGTABLES SOLD AT NEW BENIN MARKET, OREDO LGA AND EVBUABOGUN COMMUNITY, IKPOBA-OKHA LGA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Geohelminthes are common parasites in Tropical region of the world, especially in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and prevalence of geohelminth parasites in commonly consumed vegetables in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Five vegetable types namely; Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Ewedu leaf (Cochorus olitorus), Green leaf (Spinacia oleracea), Pumpkin leaf (Telfairia occidentalis) and Utazi leaf (Gongronema latifolium) were examined using flotation technique which allows for easy detection of parasites’ cysts, eggs and larvae. The overall parasite prevalence recorded in this study was 90.0%. Bitter leaf, Ewedu leaf and Pumpkin leaf had 100.0% prevalence of parasite contamination while a prevalence of 83.33% and 66.67% was recorded in Green leaf and Utazi leaf, respectively. Entamoeba histolytica, protozoa cyst, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale (ovaand larvae), Strongyloides stercoralis larva, Toxocara sp. and Fasciola sp. were the parasites recovered from the vegetables. Strongyloides stercoralis larva was the most predominant parasite recovered. There was a significant difference (P = 0.000) in the prevalence of parasites contamination. The high prevalence of geohelminth parasites recorded in the vegetables in this study can serve as a source of infection to the public especially if the vegetables are not properly washed or cooked before consumption. Therefore, the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), corporate bodies and individuals should embark on awareness and enlightenment programs to educate the public on the importance of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation as this will help to reduce the rate of parasitic infection.