Parasite Contamination of Common Fruits and Vegetables from Selected Markets in Awka-North and Awka-South Local Government Areas, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: The practice of eating raw fruits and vegetables has led to infection with various parasitic diseases. Some flies species has been reported as mechanical transmitters of parasites and so contribute to the spread of the disease-causing organisms on fruits and vegetables. Edible vegetables and fruits sold in selected markets in Awka-North and Awka-South LGAs, Anambra State, Nigeria were examined for parasites between April and August 2018.

Materials and Methods: Three different fruits (Garden egg: Solanium macrocarpon, Local Pear: Dacryodes edulis and Orange: Citrus sinensis) and four different vegetables (Spinach: Amaranthus cruentus, Fluted pumpkin: Telfairia occidentalis, Scent leaf: Ocimum grattissumum, Garden egg leaf: Solanium macrocarpon) were collected. One hundred grams (100g) of each sample was washed separately in beakers containing 100 ml of normal saline. The resulting suspension was sieved to remove debris. Each filtrate was then transferred to a clean labelled specimen bottle and was examined for parasites using floatation and sedimentation techniques.

Results: Of 303 vegetables and fruits samples examined, 167(55.1%) were contaminated [Fruits: 58/135=41.4%; Vegetables: 109/168=64.9%]. Of 90 fruits and 108 vegetables examined in Awka-North markets, 41(45.6%) and 83(76.9%) were contaminated respectively. Of 45 fruits and 60 vegetables examined in Awka-South markets, 17(37.8%) and 26(43.3%) were contaminated respectively. There was higher contamination of fruits and vegetables in Awka-North, 124(62.6%) than Awka-South, 43(41.0%). The overall prevalence was statistically significant (p < 0.05) using χ2. Orange 22(16.3%) was the highest contaminated fruit while Fluted pumpkin 29(17.2%) was the highest contaminated vegetable although not significant (p > 0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite recovered on Fruits, 22(16.3%) and vegetables, 41(24.4%).

Conclusion: This investigation has revealed that some fruits and vegetables in the study areas were contaminated with parasites. Therefore, fruits and vegetables should be properly washed and vegetables cooked before consumption to avoid parasite transmission.