Parasitic contamination of vegetables in Jos, Nigeria

Ann Afr Med. 2007 Sep;6(3):115-8. doi: 10.4103/1596-3519.55723.

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries including Nigeria. There are diverse ways of their transmission; the study attempts to determine the level of intestinal parasitic contamination on vegetables sold in Jos.

Methods: Sample of 200 each of Tomatoes (Lycopersium sativus), Letus (Loctus satival) Carrot (Davcus carota L) Cabbage (Brassica Denceal) and Green leafy vegetables were analyzed using standardized Centrifugal-floatation technique methods.

Results: Of the 1250 samples of vegetables examined, 450 (36.0%) were positive for intestinal parasites, cabbage recorded the highest prevalence of 64% while tomatoes had the least prevalence of 20%.

Conclusion: Vegetables in Jos are heavily contaminated with intestinal parasites and there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the danger of consuming inadequately washed and prepared vegetables.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Developing Countries
  • Food Contamination*
  • Food Supply / standards*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / prevention & control
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / transmission*
  • Nigeria
  • Pilot Projects
  • Risk Factors
  • Vegetables*