Parasitic Contamination of Some Vegetables Sold at Two Major Markets in JOS.
Abstract
This study was conducted from November 2017 – February 2018 to evaluate parasitic contamination of common vegetables sold at two major markets in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 300 vegetable samples (30 for each vegetable type from both markets) comprising of lettuce, cabbage, spinach, carrot and tomato were collected using random sampling technique and screened using centrifugation method. 150 (50.00%) of the total sample were positive for different species of parasites. All samples from both markets showed multiple contaminations. Highest contamination rates from both market were recorded. Carrot 73.33% (22/30), lettuce 63.33% (19/30), spinach 56.67% (17/30), cabbage 53.33% (16/30) and tomato 43.33% (13/30). Cysts, ova and larvae of parasites were detected. Trichiris trichiura had the highest occurrence 249/452, Entamoeba coli 116/452, Entamoeba histolytica 69/452 and Giardia lamblia 18/452. Contamination rate was higher in Farin-gada market. Using chi square the results indicated a significant difference in the prevalence of parasitic contamination in relation to different vegetables examined and also between both markets (p<0.05). High parasitic contamination rates associated with these vegetable samples is an indication of poor farming and sanitary practices. Since vegetables can serve as a source of transmission of intestinal parasites in this study area, consumers should properly and hygienically prepare their vegetables before consumption.
papers are accepted on the understanding that the work has been submitted exclusively to the journal and has not been previously published. Authors will be supplied with copyright form, which must be completed and returned to the publisher. Papers will not be published until the signed copyright disclaimer has been received.
Kindly download the copyright for below and attach as a supplimentry file during article submission
