Parasitic contamination of some fruits and vegetables from major markets in Ede Town, Osun State, south-west Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
L.T. Okunlola

This study determined the prevalence of parasites on some common fruits and vegetables from major markets in Ede Town, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty six (246) samples of fruits and vegetables were examined by sedimentation technique after washing using normal saline. The overall parasite prevalence was 37.4%. The highest rate of parasitic contamination (46.7%) was recorded in pineapples (Anana comosus) while oranges (Citrus sinensis) were the least contaminated (16.7%). For vegetables, African spinach (Spinacea oleracea) was the most contaminated (77.8%) while the least contaminated (2.2%) was celosia leaf (Celosia argentea). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most (21.7%) frequent parasitic contaminants on fruits and vegetables followed by Balantidium coli (19.6%) and then Hookworm (13.0%). Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis had the same percentage of occurrence(12.0%) while Fasciolopsis buski (2.2%) was the least parasite found. The highest number of parasites was found in Timi Market with 46.2% fruits and 66.7% vegetables contaminated. Since eating raw fruits and vegetables is a potential source of transmission of intestinal parasites in the study area, it is important that consumers are educated on the need to always ensure proper washing of their fruits and vegetables. Keywords: Fruits; vegetables; parasitic contamination; Ascaris lumbricoides; Ede Markets

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-121
Author(s):  
L.Y. Adogo ◽  
H.D. Yakubu ◽  
J.I. Maikenti

The consumption of fresh vegetables serves as source of important nutrients in the body; however, parasitic infection from the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables is on the increase. This study aimed at identifying the parasitic contamination of Vegetables sold at Masaka market New Karu, Nasarawa State. A total of 240 samples of vegetables were examined by sedimentation concentration after washing using normal saline. The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 52.5%. Fluted pumpkin (93.3%) was the most contaminated vegetable while cucumber and apple (16.7%) were the least contaminated vegetables (P>0.05). Strongyloides stercoralis(28.9%) was the most frequently detected parasite followed by Taenia spp (18.8%), Entamoeba coli (17.2%), Hookworm (13.3%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.8%) and Toxocara spp (5.5%) was the least detected parasite. The parasitic contamination of different vegetables shows that Tomatoes and Lettuce had the highest poly-parasitic contamination of four species of parasites, whereas Apple and Cucumber had the least poly-parasitic contamination of one parasite. Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest infestation (37.5%) of the water samples used to refresh the vegetables. Vegetables that were washed before display for selling was significantly associated with reduced parasitic contamination (P>0.05). Vegetables are potential sources of transmission for intestinal parasites in the study area, hence, proper washing of fruits and cooking of vegetables is required to reduce parasitic infections. Keywords: Vegetables, Parasitic contamination, Masaka, Karu, Nasarawa


2018 ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adedotun A Adenusi ◽  
Mary I Akinyemi ◽  
Dele Akinsanya

Background: Domiciliary cockroaches are obnoxious pests of significant medical importance. We investigated the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in cockroaches and its attendant public health importance. Methods: Overall, 749 cockroaches (Periplaneta americana, 509, Blattella germanica, 240) caught by trapping from 120 households comprising 3 different housing types in Somolu, Lagos metropolis, southwest Nigeria, in 2015 were screened for human intestinal parasites using standard parasitological techniques. Results: The prevalence of human intestinal parasites in cockroaches was 96.4%. There was no statistically signifi­cant difference (P> 0.05) in parasite prevalences between P. americana (95.7%) and B. germanica (97.9%). Parasite species identified and their prevalence were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (44.1%), E. coli (37.8%), Gi­ardia lamblia (18.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (13.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (61.3%), Trichuris trichiura (55.8%), hookworms (11.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (11.7%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (10.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (17.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (11.6%). Parasite prevalence and burdens varied with housing type; the prevalence was significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) in cockroaches from low-cost bungalow, LCB (100%) and low-cost, 2-storey, LC2-S (100%) houses than in medium-cost flats, MCF (81.3%). Parasite burdens were also significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) in cockroaches from LCB or LC2-S than in cockroaches from MCF. Parasite preva­lences between cockroach gut and body surfaces were not statistically significant (P> 0.05) but mean parasite bur­dens in gut were significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) than on body surfaces. Conclusion: Cockroaches types carry transmissive stages of human intestinal parasites and may act as reservoirs and potential mechanical vectors for disease transmission.


1970 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12
Author(s):  
A Adejumoke ◽  
O Morenikeji

Studies were carried out in Ibadan City, South-West Nigeria between March and June 2011, to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in vegetables sold in various markets within the city. Fifty samples each of 5 different vegetable types, Cabbage (Brassica deracea), Lettuce (Lactus sativa), Carrot (Daucus carota), Cucumber and green leafy vegetables were bought randomly from five different markets and examined for parasites in the laboratory using sedimentation method. Results show that 29(11.6%) out of the 250 vegetable samples examined had intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in these plant tissues was found to be 22.0% in Cabbage, 14.0% in Carrot, 12.0% in lettuce and 10.0% in Green leafy vegetables. No parasites were detected in the 50 cucumber samples. Intestinal parasites detected included ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (51.7%), Hookworm larvae (27.6%) and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (20.7%). This study shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasites on vegetables in Ibadan markets and the need for public enlightenment campaigns on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and raw vegetables.KEYWORDS: Intestinal parasites, vegetable, market, sedimentation technique, South-West Nigeria.


Author(s):  
S.S. Nyirenda ◽  
K.M. Bukowa ◽  
W.R. Banda ◽  
J. Mbewe ◽  
F. Hamankolo ◽  
...  

Background: Consumption of raw or unhygienically prepared vegetables is a potential source of parasitic infection. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and types of intestinal parasites on the freshly sold vegetables at the market. Methods: Totally, 95 vegetable samples were randomly procured from vendors at Lusaka City market (Zambia). The samples were examined for parasitic contamination using floatation and sedimentation methods. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.4.0. Results: The overall parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables was 35.8% (34 out of 95). The highest parasitic contamination rate was found in Chinese cabbage with 7.4% (7 out of 95), followed by rape with 6.3% (6 out of 95), chilli with 5.3% (5 out of 95), pigweed with 5.3% (5 out of 95), pumpkin leaves with 5.3% (5 out of 95), tomatoes with 4.2% (4 out of 95), and cabbage with 2.1% (2 out of 95). There was a significant (p=0.001) statistically difference between the type of vegetables and the presence of the parasites. The identified helminths had different prevalence rates, including Taenia spp. with 9.5%, Trichuris trichuria with 5.3%, Ascaris lumbricoides with 3.2%, Clonorchis sinensis with 2.1%, Diphyllobothrium latum with 2.1%, Paragonimus westermani with 2.1%, and Strongyloides stercoralis with 2.1%. Also, Giardia lamblia with 24.2% and Balantidium coli with 4.2% were the protozoan parasites identified. Conclusion: This study showed that some vegetables sold at the Lusaka City market (Zambia) were a potential source of parasitic infections for local consumers. G. lamblia was the most prevalent parasite found in the vegetable samples. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (30) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Sandra Noemí Escobar Arrieta ◽  
Verónica Mercedes Cando Brito ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Espinoza Chavez ◽  
Luis Elias Guevara Iñiguez

The purpose of the current research was to determine the prevalence and risk factors linked to intestinal parasites in a population aged from 5 to 14 years who attend to public schools and high schools from Riobamba city, Riobamba-Chambo district. The prospection was carried out between October and November 2015. The population studied was identified and classified according to their age, gender, and educational institution they belong to. In addition, the relation of risk factors linked to the identified parasites was estimated. For this, it was necessary to apply a coprology examination to 2020 boys, girls and teenagers. The fecal samples collected were analyzed using the fresco technique with lugol and saline solution at 0.85%. The total intestine parasite prevalence found was 35.1%. The highest parasite prevalence was detected in groups aged 5 (12.84%), in groups aged 8 (11.71%) and in groups aged 11 (11.56%), while Combatientes de Tapi Educational Unit registered a 34% in both genders. Any significant parasite difference was found among p<0.05 ages. Nine parasite types were identified with Entamoeba coli prevalence (26%) Entamoeba histolytic (9.3%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (0.8%), Giardia lambia (4.3%), Chilomastix mesnilii (0.9%), Hymenolepis nana (1.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.3%) Trichuris trichiura (0.5%), Endolimax nana (1.6%), from which protozoan were the predominant, some poly parasite samples were also found, it was determined that the sample studied reflects a high prevalence of intestinal parasites.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Ezenwaka C.O. ◽  
Amuzie C.C.

Fruits and vegetables have numerous health importance but can act as vehicles in the transmission of foodborne diseases of public health importance. This research examined the presence of parasites and microbial organisms on fruits sold at Otuoke community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria using six fruits types, including pineapple (Ananas comosus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum), guava (Psidium guajava) and orange (Citrus sinensis). The parasites were concentrated by sedimentation and were examined using a light microscope. The result of the study showed the presence of cysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, eggs of Fasciola hepatica, Ascaris lumbricoides and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. Five out of the 6 fruits types examined were infested with at least one type of parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides (33.33%) was the most frequently detected parasite and was found on the pineapple, guava and oranges fruits. Fruit types were not significantly associated with parasitic contamination (p > 0.005). Bacteria isolated from the fruits included Lactobacillus sp., Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli was isolated in all the sampled fruits types. The total count was determined by pour plate method using MacConkey agar. Total viable bacteria count (TBC) ranged from 21.9 x 105cfu/ml to 7.27 x 105cfu/ml. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Mucor spp.. and Fusarium spp were the isolated fungi species. A high number of these microorganisms in fruits and vegetables can lead to public health emergencies. Risk reduction can be achieved through personal and food hygiene by the fruit sellers and consumers. Further studies should be conducted to address the effect of seasonal variation on the infestation of the fruits sold in this area.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia E Bryan ◽  
Marcela Romero ◽  
Miryan Sanchez ◽  
Giovanny Torres ◽  
Wilber Gomez ◽  
...  

Stool samples from 122 children from urban slum (n = 72) and rural (n = 50) areas were analyzed using multi-parallel real-time qPCR to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites from two communities in Colombia. Findings indicated a prevalence of 86.1% Blastocystis spp., 62.5% Giardia intestinalis, 19.4% Cryptosporidium spp., 19.4% Ascaris lumbricoides, and 5.6% Trichuris trichiura in an urban slum; and 76% Blastocystis spp., 68% Giardia intestinalis, 20% Entamoeba histolytica, 50% Ascaris lumbricoides, 46% Trichuris trichiura and 2% Strongyloides stercoralis in rural areas. Polyparasitism was higher in rural (58%) compared to urban (25%) areas (p = 0.001). Trichuris trichiura burden was higher in the rural area (p = 0.002). Over 40% of helminth infections in rural areas had a heavy parasite burden by WHO classification. Over half of urban and rural children were infected with Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis spp. Our data provides accurate epidemiologic surveillance for public health interventions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-216
Author(s):  
G.S.N. Kia ◽  
F.Y. Tijjani ◽  
R.G. Otolorin

To determine the presence of eggs, oocysts and larvae of intestinal parasites in edible frogs (Hoplobatrachus species) sold for human consumption in Hanwa Zaria, Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples of edible frogs (n = 225) were collected from the frog market (FM) at Hanwa, Zaria. The samples were analysed for parasites eggs, oocysts and larvae using zinc sulphate-sucrose floatation method of specific gravity 1.21, sedimentation tests followed by microscopy. Parasitic eggs, larvae, and oocyst were found in 54.7% of the total gastrointestinal tract samples using floatation technique while, eggs were found in 40 (17.8%) of the samples using sedimentation technique. The overall prevalence of the parasitic oocyst, eggs or larva using the simple floatation and sedimentation techniques techniques in the examination of the frog was 63.1% (142/225). The presence of parasites in both the male and female frogs were 92 (75.4%) and 50 (48.5%), respectively, there was statistically significant association between gender and parasite prevalence, P = 0.0001. There was no significant association between original location of frogs and prevalence of parasites, but there was statistically significant association between gender and parasite prevalence, p = 0.525. Coccidia oocysts mean counts were highest (8.11 ± 0.423). People should be educated on how to prevent possible zoonotic transmission to humans during capture, slaughter, processing and/or consumption of raw or improperly cooked frogs.Keywords: Frog, Hoplobatrachus spp, eggs, oocysts, larvae, Zaria


Author(s):  
Muhammad Faisal Afridi ◽  
Kulsoom Farhat ◽  
Zaheer Ahmed ◽  
Hajra Ahmed ◽  
Shabana Ali ◽  
...  

Objective:  This study has been aimed to evaluate the prevalence of parasitic infections and evaluate the correlation between intestinal helminth infection and the anemia status of pre-school children in the District Skardu of Pakistan. Methodology: A community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional analysis was carried out on 300 pre-school children of the district of Skardu. Demographical data was obtained through the structured questionnaire. The stool sample was collected and examined for intestinal parasites at pathology department of healthcare facility in Skardu. Blood Hemoglobin (Hb) was measured from blood sample and anemia was defined as blood Hb <11 g/dL. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: Out of a total of 300 children, 161 (i.e. 53.67%) were found infected and 139 (i.e. 46.33%) were found to be infection free. The overall parasite prevalence was: Ascaris Lumbricoides (22.33%), Cryptosporidium (14%) and Hymenolepis Nana and Giardia (9.3% and 8%) respectively. The 20% preschool children infested with Ascaris Lumbricoides, 13.7% infested with Cryptosporidium, 8.0% and 7.7% infested with Giardia and Hymenolepis Nana were mostly anemic. 15.3% preschool children with no parasite infestation were also found anemic. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of these parasitic infections in the pre-school children in Skardu, where they also present with anemia. If there is a realization that these infections effect the Hb levels, then intervention programs be conducted, bringing more awareness about their control and advocating iron supplementation. Continuous....


1970 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Bikash Shakya ◽  
D Bhargava ◽  
S. Shrestha ◽  
B. P. Rijal

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent among general population and hospital patients in Nepal. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among patients in a hospital of Nepal. Methods: A retrospective study was done by analyzing the findings of stool examined from April 2006 to March 2008 at Department of Microbiology of the hospital. χ2-test was used for analytical assessment. Results: Out of 2221 fecal samples, 20.7% were positive, the positivity being 23.9% and 15.8%, respectively in first and second year (P<0.05). Overall infection rate was nearly equal in male and female (20.2% vs. 21.2%). The infection rate was highest among patients of >60 years (25.3%) followed by those of <15 years (21.2%) and 15-59 years (20.1%) ( P>0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica (38.0%) were the commonest helminth and protozoa, respectively. Other parasites were Hookworm (18.3%), Hymenolepis nana (2.6%), Taenia solium (2.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%) and Giardia lamblia (5.5%). Conclusions: Though, the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among hospital visiting patients is declining, high detection of A. lumbricoides and E. histolytica signifies the need of public awareness regarding latrine use, water source protection from fecal contamination, proper sanitation and hygienic behavior. Keywords: Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, intestinal parasites. DOI: 10.3126/joim.v31i3.2974 Journal of Institute of Medicine, December, 2009; 31(3) 13-16


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