Phylloplane Parasites on Common Edible Plants of Eastern Nigeria: Easy Link to Intestinal Parasites Transmission

Abstract

Aims: In recent years, particularly in developing countries, there has been an unprecedented number of reported cases of parasitic illnesses linked to the high demand for fast foods, majority of which may be contaminated, improperly cooked or washed. This study was carried out to determine the parasitic load on some selected plant leaves, identify the possible parasites which could be found on these leaves, and determine which particular plant leaves habour more parasites. Study Design: The study was laboratory-based observational investigation. Place and Duration of the Study: The research was done in the laboratory of Biological Sciences Department of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria between June 2014 and January 2015. Methodology: The leaves of Thaumatococcus daniellii, Alchornea cordifolia and Musa sapientum were screened for parasites using standard microscopy methods. Results: Out of the 30 samples of the plant leaves screened, 22(73.3%) were positive for intestinal parasites. The parasites encountered include some species of protozoa (Entamoeba coli), cestode (Hymenolepis nana), nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm and Strongyloides stercularis). T. daniellii leaves had the highest parasitic contamination of five species of parasites while M. sapientum andA. cordifolia showed the less parasitic contamination of three and two parasites respectively. Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it is obvious that plant leaves consumed by people are quite often contaminated with intestinal parasites. This is an indication that humans are at risk of infection especially as some plant leaves are naturally present in diet of people of all classes. Hence, the findings underscore the public health implication of using improperly washed or undercooked leaves of  these plants with vegetable famers, sellers and consumers, being at high risk of infection with strongyloidiasis, ascariasis, amoebiasis and others. The need to soak plant leaves for 10 minutes in saturated salt solution or to steam adequately before using them to prepare or wrap food is recommended. There is also need for government and non-governmental organizations to provide portable water and toilet facilities in order to discourage indiscriminate defecation in the environment.