Parasitic Agents in Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Open Markets in Bauchi, Nigeria

Background: Parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the parasitic contamination in fruits and vegetables in the Bauchi area, North-East Nigeria. Methods: From May to July 2017, a total of 776 samples comprising 182 samples of four different types of fruits, and 594 samples of six different types of vegetables were screened by simple floatation and formol-ether concentration techniques. The isolated parasitic ova and cysts were identified on the basis of morphological characteristics with reference to the standard keys. The data were analyzed by chi-square test using SPSS computer software version 21.0. Results: Totally, 26 out of 182 fruit samples (14.3%), and 82 out of 594 vegetable samples (13.8%) were contaminated with various parasitic ova and cysts. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasitic contaminant in both fruits and vegetable samples. The differences were not statistically significant in the prevalence rates of contamination among different types of fruits and vegetables (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in Bauchi, Nigeria are the major sources of parasitic infections and may have serious public health implications. It seems that health education with respect to personal hygiene and eating habits is the most practical and useful approach in order to desired control in the studied area. The local people must be effectively trained for proper washing and disinfecting of the fruits and vegetables prior to consumption. DOI: 10.29252/jfqhc.5.3.84