Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Vegetables Sold in Some Local Markets in Port-Harcourt, Rivers-State, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 492 vegetable leaves samples made up of cabbage (27), bitter leaves (50), garden egg leaves (44), green leaves (66), green onion (47), lettuce (51), pumpkin leaves (111), parsley (26) and water leaves (70), bought randomly from various local markets in Port-Harcourt was analyzed for the presence of some parasite stages. About 145(29.5%) out 492 samples examined were contaminated with various parasite stages. Green leaves had the highest level of contamination (40.9%), followed by bitter leaves (38.8%), while cabbage recorded the lowest (7.4%). Out of 202 parasite stages identified, the eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides were the most predominant 39 (19.3%), followed by the cysts of Entarmoeba histolytica 31 (15.3%), whereas the oocysts Cryptosporidium parvum and eggs of Strongyloides stercolaris had the least 4 (1.9%). Green leaves and pumpkin leaves harboured 8 (80.0%) and 7 (70%) respectively out of 10 different types of parasites obtained in this study; cabbage and parsley had only 3 (30.0%).Pumpkin leaves recorded the highest level eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides 18(30%), eggs of Fasciola species 10 (16.7%), cysts of Entamaeba histolytica 8 (50.0%), eggs of Giardia lambia 7 (11.7%), whereas cabbage overall had the lowest percentage of parasites with Ancylostoma duodenale 2 (50.0%); eggs of Toxoplasma gondii 1 (25.0%) and eggs of Strongyloides stercolaris 1 (25.0%). The present study revealed the potential hazard of vegetable leaves sold in some local markets in Port -Harcourt. Though the vegetables are properly de-contaminated after sales at the point of preparation/cooking, it is also very necessary for the de-contamination to be done before sales. There is

Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis Markets, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…In 2017, two separate studies reported the screening of parasites in vegetables sold in selected markets in Port Harcourt. In these studies, Mbata et al, [21] reported a contamination rate of 85% compared to 29.5% by Tchounga et al, [14]. The variation of reports from these researchers in Port Harcourt markets could be due to the hygiene practices of the farmers and sellers.…”

“…Previous studies carried out in some markets in Port Harcourt metropolis have shown that several fruits and vegetables were contaminated with helminths eggs (such as Ancyclostoma spp, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola spp); as well as protozoan trophozoites, cyst, oocyst (such as Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Toxoplasma gondii and Balantidium coli), [21,14].…”

“…This is also seen prevalent in developing countries [9]. Vegetables and fruits contaminated with eggs and cysts of parasites via handling, processing, and transportation, serve as potential vessels for the transmission of diseases [11][12][13][14][15]. They are two main types of parasites mostly associated with food produce which causes different intestinal infections, these are the helminths and the protozoan parasites [16].…”

Food and waterborne protozoan parasites: The African perspective

“…Nineteen publications out of the 68 publications reported contamination of fruits and vegetables with the subject parasites. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium on fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) ranged from 0.8% ( Tchounga et al, 2017 ) to over 80% ( Saaed and Ongerth, 2019 ). Most publications that reported the parasites in vegetables/fruits were from West Africa (8/12), this review did not capture any article from the Central and Southern African region ( Table 5 ).…”

“… Wastewater Algeria 100% Hamaidi-Chergui et al, 2019 Vegetables/fruits Ethiopia 15–16% Tefera et al, 2014 ; Bekele et al, 2017 Vegetables Libya 16–26 Abougrain et al, 2010 Hymenolepis nana Wastewater Algeria 100% Hamaidi-Chergui et al, 2019 Wastewater & sludge Tunisia 14% Khouja et al, 2010 Sewage Tunisia 18% Ben Ayed et al, 2009 Vegetables Egypt 3% El Said Said, 2012 Vegetables/fruits Ethiopia 8–16% Tefera et al, 2014 ; Bekele et al, 2017 ; Chilo et al, 2018 Hymenolepis diminuta Wastewater Algeria 100% Hamaidi-Chergui et al, 2019 Vegetables/fruits Ethiopia 1–8% Tefera et al, 2014 ; Bekele et al, 2017 Fasciola spp. Vegetables Ghana 0.2–7% Duedu et al, 2014 ; Kudah et al, 2018 Nigeria 8–78% Amaechi et al, 2016 ; Tchounga et al, 2017 ; Chijioke et al, 2018 …”