Parasitic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Selected Local Markets in Abuja, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2019 to determine the parasites associated with common fruits and vegetables collected from selected markets in Abuja. 105 fruit and vegetable samples bought from three selected markets in Abuja were examined by sedimentation concentration after washing using 0.09% normal saline. The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 33.3%. Eggs of Ascarislumbricoides (42.9%) was the most frequent helminth detected followed by larvae of hookworm and eggs of Trichuristrichiura (17.1%), Strongyloidesspp (11.4%), while Taeniaspp (12.9%) was the least occurring helminth. Among the protozoans, cysts of Diphyllobothriumlatum (5.7%) were the most commonly detected protozoan parasite followed by Entamoebahistolytica (2.9%). This study has shown that fruits and vegetables sold in the selected markets in Abuja Metropolis were contaminated with medically important parasites which are potential sources of disease transmission. Therefore, improved hygiene among the farmers, consumers, and vendors will be paramount in reducing the burden of intestinal parasite infection.