Parasite contamination of edible vegetables sold in onitsha markets

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of parasites that contaminate edible vegetables sold in Nkpor Market, Ochanja Market and Ose Market all in Onitsha, Anambra State between July and August, 2014. These vegetables were procured directly from the rural farmers who brought the vegetables to the markets. They were examined in the laboratory for the presence of parasites using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Out of 480 vegetable specimens examined, 210 were contaminated thus giving a total prevalence of 43.8%. The parasites isolated were Ascaris lumbricoides120(57.1%), Entamoeba histolytica 30(14.3%), Hookworm 45(21.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis15(7.1%). The highest parasite contamination was found in fluted pumpkin 43(20.5%) and the least on okro 11(5.2%) and carrot 11(5.2%). Ose market (53.1%) has the highest occurrence of parasite and Nkpor market (31.3%) had the least. These findings may have important implications for global food safety and emphasize the importance of raw vegetables in threatening public health by transmission of intestinal parasites to humans in Nigeria. Individuals and local health authorities should improve the sanitary conditions in the areas where the vegetables are cultivated and consumed. Therefore, proper treatment of wastewater used for irrigation of vegetables and improvement of sanitary facilities in our markets and among vegetable vendors are recommended.