Parasitic contamination and public health risk of commonly consumed vegetables in Ibadan-Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction

vegetables form a major component of the human diet. However, poor agronomic practices may put consumers at risk of parasitic infections. This study evaluated the parasitic contamination of vegetables grown in selected farms in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty vegetable species: African eggplant ( Solanum macrocarpon), lettuce ( Lactuca sativa), cucumber ( Brassica oleracea), spinach ( Amaranthus cruentus), white jute ( Corchorus olitorius), pumpkin ( Telfaria occidentalis), green pepper ( Capsicum sp.), okro ( Abelmoschus esculentus), quill grass ( Celosia argenta L), tomato ( Lycopersicum sativus) were collected from farms within Ibadan. Samples were washed in water, and the resulting washing solution was filtered and centrifuged to concentrate the parasitic stages. Sediments were examined by iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained smears technique.

Results

parasites were detected in 14 (5.0%, 95% CI 32.6%-67.3%) of samples. The highest contaminated vegetable was white jute 32.1 (95% CI 17.9%-50.6%), followed by pumpkin 7.1(95% CI 1.9-22.6), quill grass 7.1% (95% CI 1.9-22.6) and lettuce 3.5 (95% CI 0.6-17.7). The commonest parasites were Strongyloides stercoralis larvae 42.9 (95% CI 21.3-67.4), Entamoeba histolytica/E.dipaar 21.4 (95% CI 7.5-47.5), Trichostrongylus spp 21.4 (95% CI 21.3-67.4), and Ascaris sp. 14.3 (95% CI 4.0-39.9).

Conclusion

these findings provide evidence of contamination of vegetables from farms in Ibadan with parasites of public health importance. Information on best practices should be designed, packaged and disseminated through appropriate channels to enhance positive behavior change among farmers.