Parasitic Contamination and Microbiological Quality of Commonly Consumed Fresh Vegetables Marketed in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Parasitic and microbial contamination and the pattern of occurrence of the parasite species depends on weather conditions, socio-cultural conditions, sampling season, analyzed vegetable products, and other factors. Therefore, local assessment of vegetable contamination is crucial for targeted and effective interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2022. A questionnaire was used to assess factors associated with parasite contamination of vegetables during the marketing period. The selected vegetables were purchased and processed for parasite and microbial analysis using standard methods. Finally, all data were summarized and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. A total of 180 vegetable samples were purchased from 180 vendors. This study identified a total of 129 parasites from 180 vegetable samples, with an overall contamination rate of (75; 41.7%). Both protozoa (41; 31.8%) and helminthes (88; 68.2%) were identified from vegetables. Contamination with more than one parasite species was (38; 21.1%). The kind of produce, finger nail status of vendors/sellers, the medium of the display, the type of market and not washed prior to display were significantly associated with parasite contamination. The results also showed that vegetable microbial load for total heterotrophic count, total coliform count, fecal coliform count, yeast count, and mold count was higher in the afternoon than in the morning. To decrease risks to public health, local health authorities and/or market inspectors should establish and implement strategies to reduce contamination such as encouraging specific display medium and washing of vegetables prior to display.

Vegetable contamination with medically important helminths

“…In the present study, a higher contamination rate of vegetables was observed with Ascaris lumbricoides, a nding that closely resembles the results reported in Egypt [10], however, these rates are higher than the results of the study in Sudan [16] but lower than the ndings of the Asfaw research team in Ethiopia [4]. Regarding Enterobius vermicularis, our research revealed lower contamination rates than those reported in Egypt [10], but higher rates compared to the results in Ethiopia [4]. In the current study, the identi cation of Hymenolepis nana was less frequent than the ndings reported by Bekele and Shumbej 2019 [5].…”

“…Regarding helminth species, Ascaris lumbricoides was found in relatively high percentages in parsley (19%) and radish (14.3%), while it was not detected in pepper and coriander. These results differ from the ndings of Bekele and Shumbej 2019 [5] and Asfaw et al 2023 [4], where Ascaris lumbricoides was reported in higher percentages in lettuce and pepper. In our study, Enterobius vermicularis was found in a higher percentage in lettuce (15%), which differs from the results of Eraky et al 2014 [10], where a higher percentage of Enterobius vermicularis was reported in parsley.…”

“…Moreover, the inclination to consume raw or lightly cooked vegetables in order to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients can heighten the susceptibility to foodborne infections [19]. In the present study, a higher contamination rate of vegetables was observed with Ascaris lumbricoides, a nding that closely resembles the results reported in Egypt [10], however, these rates are higher than the results of the study in Sudan [16] but lower than the ndings of the Asfaw research team in Ethiopia [4]. Regarding Enterobius vermicularis, our research revealed lower contamination rates than those reported in Egypt [10], but higher rates compared to the results in Ethiopia [4].…”

Microbial Quality of Some Fresh-Cut Ready-to-Eat Fruits Sold in Some Markets and Bus Terminals in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

“…dispar (29.4%) being the most frequent, followed by Entamoeba coli (11.8%) and Giardia lamblia (6.1%) [43]. Most studies of parasite contamination of fruits and vegetables in developed countries reveal high contamination with common intestinal parasites of medical importance to humans [16,34,44].…”

Determinación de Escherichia coli/coliformes en lechugas expendidas en el mercado 10 de Agosto de la ciudad de Cuenca

“…Consumir vegetales frescos es esencial para una alimentación balanceada. No obstante, su contaminación, especialmente por coliformes y E. coli, puede originar enfermedades gastrointestinales, clasificadas entre las Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos (ETAs) (7,8).…”