Parasitic Contamination of Raw Vegetables and Fruits Sold in Some Markets in Abia State, Nigeria

Parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and fruits is one of the distinct causes of intestinal infection in most parts of the globe including Nigeria. This study assessed the parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and fruits sold in some of the markets in Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 360 samples comprising different raw vegetables and fruits (i.e 180 samples of vegetables and 180 fruits) were examined using sedimentation concentration technique to detect cysts of protozoan and ova of helminths. The data were analysed by chi-square test using SPSS software version 21. Parasitic contamination (23.6%) was observed in all of the study samples. Entamoeba histolytica (30.5%), Giardia lamblia (13%), Entamoeba coli (22.3%) and Balantidium coli (7.1%). Ascaris lumbricoides (17.7%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (9.4%) eggs and larvae of the helminth were observed on the fruit and vegetable samples. Majority of larva identified were from cabbage samples in all six markets. High loads were also observed in waterleaf and carrot samples. Eggplant samples had the least load and contaminated samples were observed only in Ahiaohuru market. Highest load of larva was observed in Mango fruit samples examined. High loads were also observed in Guava and Apple samples. Lowest load of larva was observed in lemon. The fruits and vegetables’ high prevalence of intestinal parasites in Abia States reveals that the high infestation of parasitic infection among dwellers are as a result of frequent consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables sold in the various markets. Farmers, vendors and consumers need to observe adequate hygiene practices such as proper washing, using potable water for irrigation, non-use of animal faeces as manures and non-display of the produce on the bare ground to ensure low incidence of parasitic infections in Abia State.