Parasitic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria: Public Health Implications

Abstract

Aims: Fruits and vegetables are common foods that provide the human body with vitamins, fibre and other compounds required for healthy growth and development. Most fruits are eaten raw, with little or no processing. This study investigated the role of contaminated fruits and vegetables in parasite transmission among humans. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in fruit markets in Ile-Ife, an urban university town in south-western Nigeria. Samples were collected from April to June 2025. Methodology: One hundred and forty fruit samples, comprising 20 samples each from seven fruit types, and 50 vegetable samples, comprising 10 samples each from five vegetable types, were collected from fruit vendors in fresh fruit markets, except almond fruits, which were picked from under almond trees in the community. The samples were processed for parasite egg/cyst recovery using the rinse and sedimentation method. Results: Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm, cysts of Giardia lamblia, and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis were recovered. The highest contamination was found in almond fruits (60%), followed by date palm (40%), tiger nuts (35%), watermelon (30%), and orange and banana (20% each). Among the vegetables, the contamination rate was highest in cabbage (40%), followed by carrot and African spinach (30% each), while the least contamination (20%) was recorded in jute and lettuce. Overall contamination in fruits was 29.3%, while that of vegetables was 28.0%. Ascaris lumbricoides (12.9%) was the most common parasitic contaminant among the fruits, while hookworm (20.0%) was the most reported contaminant among the vegetables. The overall prevalence of contamination in the 190 fruits and vegetables examined was 28.9%. Statistical comparison among fruit types showed a significant difference in contamination rates (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Consumption of unwashed fruits or improperly cooked vegetables can put humans at risk of acquiring parasitic infections. Therefore, fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before consumption.