A Survey of Human Intestinal Parasites on Vegetables Sold at Market Within Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Vegetables play a crucial role in human diets by supplying essential nutrients necessary for maintaining good health. Despite their benefits, vegetables can act as carriers of intestinal parasites, thereby posing a notable threat to public health. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of cysts, eggs and larvae of human intestinal parasites on vegetables sold in markets across Jalingo Metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 250 samples, comprising lettuce, cabbage, spinach, carrot, and cucumber, were collected from four different markets and analysed in the laboratory using the sedimentation technique. The findings revealed that 32 samples (12.6%) were contaminated with eggs and larvae of intestinal parasites. Among the vegetables tested, cabbage (Brassica oleracea) showed the highest contamination rate (22.0 %), followed by lettuce (Latuca sativa) (13.0%), carrot (Daucus carota) (12.0%), spinach (Spinacia oleracea) (10.0%), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) (6.0%). The parasites identified included Ascaris lumbricoides ova (56.7%), hookworm larvae (25.0%), and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (18.7%). These results emphasise the need for enhanced public health education, improved hygiene practices, and thorough washing of vegetables to reduce the risk of parasitic infections. This study reinforces the significance of implementing food safety measures to address the dangers posed by parasites in fresh produce.
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References
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