Parasitic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Collected From Selected Local Markets in Katagum Region, Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Parasitic contaminations are major public health problems more, especially in developing countries. The consumption of fresh fruits or vegetables which are not adequately washed serves as one of the major channels through which humans being getting infected. The study was carried out to determine parasitic contamination of commonly consumed fruits and vegetables sold in two selected markets in Katagum region of Bauchi State, northeast Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in two selected local markets, namely, Azare central market and Gadau central market of Katagum region, from July to October 2019. Methodology: A total of 175 fresh fruits and vegetable samples consisting of banana, mango, orange, cabbage and spinach were purchased from two selected local markets. 200g of each fruit and vegetable sample was washed separately in normal physiological saline for detaching the helminths and protozoan’s parasites assumed to be associated with the products. After 24 hours sedimentation of the washing solution, 15 ml of the sediment was centrifuged and further prepared for microscopic examination. Results: The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 23.4%. The most frequently detected helminths parasite eggs were Ascaris lumbricoides (7.4%), followed by Taenia spp (6.3%), hookworms (2.9%), Fasciola spp (1.7%), Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis hana (1.1%) and Strongyloides spp. larva (0.6%). Among the protozoa, the cysts of Entamoeba spp. (1.7%) were the most commonly detected, followed by Giardia spp. (0.6%). The highest level of contamination was found in cabbage, with a prevalence rate of 37.1%, while the lowest contamination level was found in mango and spinach, with a prevalence rate of 17.1%. The occurrence of parasite contamination in Gadau central market (23%) was statistically significant than that of Azare central market (18%) (χ2=12.46, df=1, p=0.00). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables with parasite contamination in this area represents a potential agent for the transmission of these parasites to humans.  Therefore, health authorities must sensitize farmers, vendors, and consumers on the dangers associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables. The principle of personal hygiene, such as the washing of the fruits and vegetables before eating, should be advocating the inhabitant of this region as this will drastically help reduced parasitic contamination.