Global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Accidental ingestion of infective stages helminths through consumption contaminated vegetables and fruits causes a wide range food-borne diseases in humans. This systematic review meta-analysis evaluated the global incidence helminthic contamination vegetables, cucurbits fruits. Several databases (Science Direct, Web Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) were searched for literature published prior to November 2020. Overally, 184 articles (32 countries) met inclusion criteria. Among these, 137 studies documented 46 9 The pooled (95% confidence interval) was 31% (26%–37%) 20% (14%–27%) (8%–37%) highest rate found Western Pacific WHO region (54%; 9%–95%). most prevalent parasitic agents Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (12%; 9%–15%) Strongyloides stercoralis larvae 8%–16%) S. (10%; 5%–15%) Toxocara spp. 3%–21%) cucurbits, Trichuris trichiura (9%; 1%–22%) be associated with lower-middle income countries (34%, 28%–41%) regions tropical rainforest climate (50%, 10%–91%). potential role spread parasites revealed. Utilizing clean water irrigation, proper washing cooking improved sanitary practices can decrease public health hazard regarding