Parasitic contamination of some fruits, vegetables, and nuts sold in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are major sources of vitamins and minerals which help in promoting good health but could also constitute risk to human health when consumed unclean. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of parasitic contamination of some fruits, vegetables, and nuts collected from three local markets in Jos town, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 270 samples of different types of fruits, vegetables, and nuts were washed separately in saline water and sedimentation method was used to concentrate the parasites which were examined using light microscope. Out of the 270 samples examined, 113 (41.85%) were contaminated with at least one type of parasite. Trichostrongylus (37.14%) and Entamoeba histolytica (36.89%) were the most frequently detected parasites while Ascaris lumbricoides, Blastocystic hominis, Giardia lamblia, and Dipylidium caninum (0.24%) were the least detected. It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly (p<0.05) associated with washing the products before being displayed for sale. The findings of this study suggest that there is a potentially high risk of acquiring parasitic infections from the consumption of raw fruits, vegetable, and nuts sold in Jos, Plateau State. Efforts should be made by the relevant bodies to reduce the rate of parasitic contamination of these commodities by educating the vendors and the consumers at large.

Keywords: Parasitic contamination, fruits, vegetables, nuts, Jos