Examination of Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Vegetables Sold in Different Markets in Wukari Metropolis

Abstract

A study of parasitic contamination on fresh vegetables sold in different markets in Wukari metropolis of Wukari L.G.A, Taraba State, Nigeria was conducted between the months of February- March, 2017. Samples collected were prepared using zinc sulphate floatation techniques and examined microscopically for the prevalence of helminthes eggs and larvae and protozoa cysts. In this study, overall positive samples were 88 out of 136 fresh vegetable samples examined. Also, the distribution of medically importance parasites in contaminated fresh vegetables in different markets were calculated using Chi-square and the significant difference at (P>0.01) were recorded. Spring onion and tomato were found significantly low in old market and Haske market while tomato only in new market and spring onion only in Yam market. New market (25) had the highest prevalence of 20.8% parasite ova and cyst, while Old market and Haske market had 20 (16.7%) and Yam market had the least 17 (14.2%).Spinach and Sorrel had the highest rate of parasitic contamination of (83.3%) than Tomato (53.3%) and Spring Onion (46.7%). Also, a total of twelve different species of medically important parasites are detected, these included Ascaris lumbricoides (24.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (21.1%) (p>0.05), Enterobius vermicularis (11.7%), Trichuris trichiura (8.8%), Taenia saginata (8.8), Hookworm eggs (5.8%), Giardia lamblia cysts (4.4%), Hymenolepis nana (3.6%), Balantidium coli (2.9%), Dipylidium caninum egg packets (2.9%), Hymenolepis diminuta (2.9%), and Entamoeba histolytica (2.2%). Fresh vegetables washed with dirty water (well water) had (37.5%). While, one washed with clean water (borehole water) shows no parasite ova and cyst (0.0%).