Parasitic Contamination of Common Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Markets within Dutsin-Ma Town, Katsina State, Nigeria

Aims: The cases of parasitic diseases linked to consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are common in Northern Nigeria. This study assessed the parasitic contamination of common fruits and vegetables sold in markets within Dutsin-Ma town, Katsina State.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: markets within Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, North-Western Nigeria between April and June 2016.

Methodology: A total of 108 samples of fruits and vegetables were collected from three different markets in Dutsin-Ma town and assayed.

Methods Involved: Extraction of parasitic stages from the fruits and vegetables, sedimentation of the extract by centrifugation, staining to allow visualization of parasite eggs, cysts and larvae, and identification by microscopy.

Results: A total of 45 samples were found to be positive, 41.67% prevalence for parasites in this study. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite found, with prevalence of 11 (10.19%), while Strongyloides stercolaris, Schistosoma spp, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba hartmani were least, with 1 (0.93%) each. Contamination had significant association with parasite type (p = 0.0000). Contamination by type of fruits and vegetables showed spinach (vegetables) having the highest parasitic contamination 15 (83.33%), while cucumber and watermelon (fruits) had the least contamination, 2 (11.11%) eacha. Significant association was shown between prevalence and fruits/vegetable type (p = 0.0000).

Conclusion: Ascaris lumbricoides is the most prevalent parasite that contaminated fruits and vegetables sold in Dutsin-Ma markets. Vegetables, due to their rough/folded leaves are more contaminated with parasite cysts, eggs and larvae than fruits. Spinach showed the highest overall prevalence.