Analysis of Geohelminths Contamination in Raw Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Ebonyi State Nigeria

Precious Igwe¹, Ewere Pearl Chukwudebe^2*

¹Department of Applied Biology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

²Department of Medical Services, Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author Ewere Pearl Chukwudebe, Department of Medical Services, Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, Nigeria, E-mail: chukwudebeewere@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Geohelminth infections are among the major global public health problems in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study of geohelminths infection was carried out in some common fruits and vegetables from Margaret Umahi International Market, Ebonyi State Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 146 samples of fruits and vegetables were secured directly from Lot 1 and Lot 2 of an international market and were examined in the laboratory for the presence of geohelminths by the sedimentation technique after washing with normal saline and centrifugation at 1,500 rmp for 5 minutes,.

Results: 103 samples of fruits and vegetables were contaminated. The overall geohelminths prevalence for vegetables was 69.9%, the highest of geohelminths contamination was Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), while garden egg leaf (Solanum marcrocarpon) was the least contaminated, for fruits, garden egg fruit (Solanum melongena) was the most contaminated. The least contaminated was cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Ascarislumbricoides larvae was the most frequent geohelminth contamination of fruits and vegetables, followed by hookworm larvae and Ascarislumbricoides ova. Other parasites identified was mites, protozoa and Balantidium coli. The highest number of geohelminths contamination was found in Lot 1 with 78.9% contamination of vegetables and 60.0% of fruits.

Conclusion: The findings have implications for human health and emphasize the importance of raw fruits and vegetables in threatening public health. Producers ought to be aware of raw fruits and vegetables contamination and observe proper cultivation and sanitation and consumers should follow sound hygiene prior to their use.