Parasitic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Selected Local Markets of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. A study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables collected from local markets in Jimma Town, Ethiopia, was conducted between April and May 2013. Methods. A total of 360 samples of fruits and vegetables were examined by sedimentation concentration after washing using normal saline. Results. The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 57.8%. Strongyloides like parasite (21.9%) was the most frequent parasitic contaminant followed by Toxocara Spp (14.7%), Cryptosporidium Spp (12.8%), H. nana (8.3%), G. lamblia (7.5%), A. lumbricoides (6.7%), E. histolytica/dispar (5.3%), Cyclospora spp (5.0%), and H. diminuta (1.4%). Washing of the fruits and vegetables before display for selling was significantly associated with decreased parasitic contamination (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Since fruits and vegetables are potential sources of transmission for intestinal parasites in the study area, consumers should always avoid acquiring parasitic infection from contaminated fruits and vegetables supplied in Jimma Town through proper cleaning and cooking.

Occurrence of Intestinal Parasitic Contamination in Select Consumed Local Raw Vegetables and Fruits in Kuantan, Pahang

“…This result was in agreement with studies performed in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia (Zeehaida et al 2011), in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia (Tefera et al 2014), and in Kogi, Nigeria (Omowaye & Audu 2012). However, this finding is in contrast with studies performed in Alexandria, Egypt, and in Shahrekord, Iran, where Cryptosporidium spp.…”

“…This might be because the Strongyloides has a free-living state that does not require a host for its proliferation, in addition to its parasitic mode of life (Tefera et al 2014). This result was in agreement with studies performed in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia (Zeehaida et al 2011), in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia (Tefera et al 2014), and in Kogi, Nigeria (Omowaye & Audu 2012).…”

“…The occurrence of more than one parasite type per sample in this study reflects the possibility of the multi-faecal contamination of vegetables, which could lead to multiple parasitic infections in humans. It might also indicate the persistence of intestinal parasitic infection in the area (Tefera et al 2014).…”

“…In general, fruits and vegetables are considered to be vehicles that easily transmit parasites into individuals, especially when eaten raw or without peeling (Hassan et al 2012). Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, and Ascaris lumbricoides are considered to be the most common parasitic contaminants of fruits and vegetables (Tefera et al 2014). Vegetables and fruits become contaminated with different parasitic stages by means of three fundamental pathways, via the contamination of raw vegetables and fruits on the farm during harvesting, through contaminated water used for irrigation or washing process, and through infected food handlers (Ishaku et al 2013).…”

Entamoeba histolytica

“…This incidence was in accordance with Tomass and Kidane (2012) in Ethiopia where Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moskhovskii was the only protozoan parasite detected (18.18%) besides of these aforementioned vegetables, also in Swiss chard (5/8) and cabbage (1/8) wastewater irrigated. However, this is not in accordance with the work of Tefera et al (2014) in Southwest Ethiopia, where E. histoyltica/dispar wasn't the most prevalent and was present only in 5.3% of the total samples of fruits and vegetables analyzed. These authors associated these discrepancies between the two studies conducted in Ethiopia to several factors: (i) the geographical location, (ii) the climatic and environmental conditions, (iii) the kind and the size of samples, (iv) the identification methods and (v) the socio-economic status.…”