Parasitological and Bacteriological Evaluation of Common Raw Fruits Collected from Two Major Markets in Iwo, Osun State, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Fruits are a vital part of human nutrition because they contain the growth factors required to maintain normal health. Fruits are also known to harbour a wide range of parasites and bacteria. Consumption of unwashed raw fruits can lead to foodborne pathogens. This study was carried out to examine the presence of parasites and bacteria on fruits sold at two major markets in Iwo, Osun state, South-West Nigeria. Methods. Twelve different fresh fruits and seven different fresh fruits were purchased from different vendors from “Odo-ori” and “Adeeke” markets, respectively. The samples were transported to the microbiology laboratory of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun state for bacteriological and parasitological analysis. The parasites were concentrated by sedimentation and were examined using a light microscope, while for the microbial analysis, culturing and biochemical tests were also carried out on all the samples. Results. The parasites discovered include Fasciola hepatica eggs, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, hookworm larvae, and Taenia and Trichuris trichiura eggs. Ascaris lumbricoides was most frequently detected (40.0%). Bacteria isolated from the sampled fruits include Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Kluyvera ascorbata, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus sp., Micrococcus sedentarius, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Conclusion. The presence of parasites and bacteria on the fruits observed indicates that public health diseases may arise from their consumption. Awareness and education among farmers, vendors, and consumers about the importance of personal and food hygiene through proper washing or disinfection of fruits could reduce the risk of parasites and bacterial fruit contamination.