Assessment of intestinal parasites of fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Ilorin, Nigeria
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Date
2024
Journal Title
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Publisher
Kwara State University Press and Publishing, Nigeria.
Abstract
Fresh fruits and vegetables form an integral part of a healthy and nutritious diet. They are also
potential conduits of transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens to hosts. This study aims to evaluate the level of
parasitic contamination of selected fruits and vegetables across peri-urban markets in Ilorin metropolis. Fruits
and vegetable samples were washed in normal saline solutions. Parasites in the wash solutions were
concentrated by sedimentation method. Parasite detection was carried out using a binocular microscope and
identification by comparison with the key from atlas of parasitology. The relationship between variables at 5%
level of significance was determined by Pearson's chi-square analysis. Two hundred and thirteen (213) fruit and
vegetable samples were assessed for parasitic contamination. Thirteen (13) parasites (5 protozoans and 8
helminths), namely: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Balantidium coli, Isospora coli,
Schistosoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola
spp., Toxocara spp., and Ancylostoma duodenale, were detected and evaluated. Cabbage and lettuce were the
most contaminated at 38.5% prevalence each. This is followed by Fluted pumpkin, Tomatoes, Carrot,
Cucumber, Spinach and green pepper with 32.4%, 26.9%, 23.0%, 22.2%, 18.8%, and 7.5%, prevalence. The
obtained order of prevalence of intestinal parasites was: G. lamblia > S. stercoralis/Taenia spp. > E. histolytica
> A. lumbricoides/A. duodenale > B. coli/E. coli.
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Citation
Sunday O.J et. al., 2024, “Assessment of Intestinal Parasites of Fruits and Vegetables sold in Selected Markets in Ilorin City, North-Central, Nigeria”. Technoscience Journal for Community Development in Africa.. 3 (2024) 175-183