PARASITIC EXAMINATION OF SOME SELECTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

ABSTRACT

Fruits and vegetables are the edible parts of some herbaceous plants, such as the roots, stem, leaves, flowers or seeds which have nutritional benefits when consumed by humans. They can be contaminated by intestinal parasites which can serve as a source of diseases. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of parasites on some selected fruits and vegetables sold in Uselu and New Benin markets in Benin city, Edo State. A total of two hundred and fifty (250) samples of fruits and vegetables were examined for the presence of parasites. Standard parasitological analysis were carried out by sedimentation and floatation techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. The results from this study showed an overall prevalence of parasitic infection 15(6.00%). The highest rate of parasitic contamination (66.67%) was recorded in pumpkin leaf (Telfairia occidentalis) while water leaf (Talinum fruticosum) were the least contaminated (33.3%). Ova of Trichuris trichiura was the most (66.67%) frequent parasitic contaminants in vegetables followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (26.67%) and the cyst of Entamoeba histolytica (6.67%) was the least parasite found. The highest number of parasites was found in New Benin Market with (66.67%) vegetables contaminated while Uselu market had the lowest prevalence (33.33%) but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.2889). There was statistically significant association between some of the demographic data and the infection (P<0.05). The display of produces on the floor 10(66.67%), washing with well water 12(80.00%), not washing before display 13(77.78%) and not trimming of fingernails 13(86.67%) had the highest rate of infection. Reduction of risk of human illness can be achieved through controlling points of potential contamination from handling, transportation, processing of raw vegetables and strict government laws banning the use of untreated fertilizer on farm produce.