PARASITIC CONTAMINATION OF TWO COMMONLY CONSUMED LEAFY VEGETABLES IN EL-KHARGA OASIS, UPPER EGYPT, AND EVALUATION OF HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG THE VENDORS

Foodborne parasitic diseases cause human morbidity and mortality especially in the low- & middle-income countries. This study identified contaminated Eruca sativa Raphanussativus cultivated El-Kharga Oasis, Upper Egypt, as to seasonal variation vendors hygienepractices. A total of 270 samples two vegetables were purchased from public markets.Parasitic contamination was evaluated by sedimentation flotation techniques with modifiedZiehl-Neelsen stain. The results showed that 219(81%) 13different parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides 123(25.5%) Cryptosporidium parvum (14.9%) werethe commonest ones highest rate autumn (87%) for E. inwinter R. sativus. level significant gender washingpractices vendors. current data gave evidence dynamics acquiring parasiticinfection due consumption raw vegetables, interaction, its relevance vendor'shygiene.