INCIDENCE OF PARASITES ON SOME RAW EATEN VEGETABLES SOLD IN MINNA MARKETS, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Vegetables are essential part of human healthy diet and are rich in vitamins. However, consumption of raw vegetables has been associated with transmission of parasites. This study investigated the incidence of parasites on five commonly consumed raw vegetables in Minna, Nigeria. A total of 2500 samples of the five different types of raw vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots and cabbage) were purchased from five markets in Minna  (Kure  market,  Bosso  market,  Maikunkele  market,  Maitunbi  market  and  Gwari market) and analyzed for the presence of helminthes and protozoan parasites using concentration method. Out of the 2500 samples examined, 397 (15.88%) were found to be contaminated with various stages of parasites such as ova, cysts, eggs or a complete developed parasite. Highest rate of parasitic contamination was detected in carrots 116 (29.22%), followed by tomato 100 (25.19%), lettuce 79 (19.90%), cabbage 66 (16.63%) with cucumber 36 (9.07%) having the least contamination. Among the sampled markets Gwari market 88 (17.60%) recorded the highest prevalence while Bosso market 54 (10.80%) had the lowest. The seven parasitic stages detected were Schistosoma masoni 116 (29.22%) as the most prevalent followed by the eggs of Teania 80 (20.15%), cyst of Schistosoma masoni 82 (20.06%), cyst of Schistosoma japonicum 35 (8.82%), cyst of Entamoeba histolytica 32 (8.06%), Cyst of hookworm 26 (6.55%) and Ascaris lumbricoides 26 (6.55%) in that order Findings from this study show that a considerably number of commonly consumed raw vegetables in Minna are contaminated with  a wide variety of parasites, indicating a major health risk to consumers. As such public enlightenment campaigns on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and raw vegetables should be carried out by local health authorities.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Vegetables are annual or perennial horticultural crops, with certain sections (roots, stalks, flowers,  fruits  or  leaves.)  that  can  be  consumed  wholly  or  partially,  cooked  or  raw (Welbaum, 2015). They are essential parts of human healthy diet and are great sources of vitamins, fibre and minerals (Ulger et al., 2018). Their raw consumption has been associated with transmission of the parasites. It is also useful in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes or cancer. (Abougrain et al., 2010). Some vegetables that are eaten raw like Dacus carota (carrot), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Salanum lypoersicum (tomatoes) and Lactuca sativa (lettuse) contain nutrients and non-nutritive phytochemicals (Ulger et al., 2018). The raw consumption of these nutrient source (vegetables is encouraged to be eaten raw to avoid heat labile nutrients been destroyed by cooking resulting to increase transmission of the parasites. However, the consumption of uncooked vegetables is associated with infectious parasitic diseases (Adamu et al., 2012). There had been constantly reported cases of food borne diseases that were linked to eating of raw vegetables. Vegetables may be contaminated before harvesting in the field, Orchards, transportation, processing or distribution and marketing (Adanir and Tasci, 2013). The use of waste water to irrigate farm is the major driver of microbial contamination (Adanir and Tasci, 2013).

Human consumption patterns like eating raw vegetables from street vendors that have little or no regards or are entirely ignorant of food safety can increase the risk of infectious parasitic diseases and other ailments (Ajeagah, 2013).

In the past the risk of human parasitic diseases was limited to defined geographical locations because of selective definitive host or intermediate host and also particular environmental conditions. The conditions have been breached by travelers and international refrigerated foods which became available everywhere. The travelers will harbour the parasites or cysts or ova and travel back to their locations and spread it through feacal pollution through water or soil (Amahmid et al., 2002). Therefore, the presence of infectious parasite in vegetable is a global concern.

1.2      Statement of the Research Problem

Vegetables consumed raw are means of maintaining healthy life but often times also act as source and route for the spread of various parasitic infections. The transmission of parasitic infection may cause immune suppression as they lower the resistance of such individuals to other infections and render active immunization procedure less effective.

The incidence of parasitic infection remains a leading public health problem in the world and   is   neglected   especially  in   tropical   and   sub-tropical   regions   because   of   their convalescence  nature.  This  pose  serious  health  threat  and  limitation  to  productivity  of human resulting in economic losses.

1.3       Justification for the Study

Understanding the role played by the consumption of raw vegetables in the transmission chain of parasitic diseases as well as the possible sources of contamination is an important step in the effort toward the control of spread of the parasites. Hence this study would reveal the   types   of   parasites   and   possible   simple   control   measures   that   would   reduce contamination.

1.4      Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study was to investigate incidence of parasites in some raw eaten vegetables sold in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria and the objectives were to:

i.          detect the presence of some parasites in some raw eaten vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, cucumber) sold in Minna Markets, Niger State, north central zone, Nigeria.

ii.        determine the prevalence of ova or cyst in some raw eaten vegetables sold in Minna Markets, Niger State, north central zone, Nigeria.

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