PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 5, No. 3, December 2021
Pages 342-348
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/1202.50.0360
Parasitic Contamination on Raw Vegetables Sold in Selected Open Markets in Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria
Hammed O. Mogaji1*, Ashiat Y. Ishola1, Oladunni N. Adekunle2 , Modinat A. Adekoya3, Funmilayo S. Oluwafemi4, Oluwafemi A. Ajayi1, Ikenna M. Odoh5 and Uwem F. Ekpo6
1Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria,
2Department of Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State,
3Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
4Department of Public Health, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
5University Medical Centre, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria,
6Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Infections arising from the consumption of parasite-contaminated vegetables are a major concern in public health. This study assessed the parasitic contamination of vegetables sold across open markets in Ekiti, Nigeria
Methods: A total of 88 samples of 6 different vegetables: African spinach (Amaranthus hybridus), pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), Jute leaf (Corchorus olitorus), Sierra Leone bologi leaf (Solanecio biafrae), Yoruba bologi leaf (Crassocephalum ruben), and Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) were purchased from 42 vendors selected using a snow-ball sampling approach. About 200g of each sample was processed using sedimentation technique and observed for parasites eggs/ova under the microscope. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 9 parasites were recovered, with an overall prevalence of 53.4% (n=45). Nematodes were the most predominant (45, 51.1%). By species, the recovered eggs/larvae of hookworms were more (27, 30.7%), compared to Ascaris spp. (22, 25.0%) and Strongyloides spp (17, 19.3%) (p=0.00). Amaranthus hybridus was the most contaminated (15, 75%), followed by Crassocephalum ruben (10, 62.5%) (p=0.05). The majority of the contaminated vegetables were from Ifaki market (15, 75%).
Conclusion: This study, therefore, highlights the need to intensify efforts at improving hygienic practices among farmers and consumers in these areas.
Keywords: Parasites, contamination, Vegetables, Markets, Ekiti, Nigeria.