PREVALENCES OF PARASITIC CONTAMINATION OF VEGETABLES SOLD IN SELECTED AREAS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the parasitic contamination of vegetables in the study area. Vegetables commonly sold at Gawon-Nama, Hajiya-Halima and Maggi Market in Sokoto metropolis were screened for possible contamination by intestinal parasites. A total of 888 samples of three different varieties of vegetables were purchased and examined via sedimentation centrifugation method. Overall results show 197(22.2%) numbers of vegetables were contaminated with various stages of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of parasitic contamination recorded were: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 68 (26.6%), Carrot (Daucus carota) 66 (19.3%), Spinach (Spinacia oleracae) 63 (21.7%). The study indicated that; the highest number of intestinal parasite were detected on lettuce and followed by spinach where the least are detected from carrot sample. Hookworm was observed most with frequency and percentage of 73(35.3%). Followed by Ascaris lumbricoide with frequency and percentage of 84(40.6%) and Entamoeba histolytica with frequency and percentage of 50(24.1%). Consumption of such vegetables without adequate washing may be a source of transmission of intestinal parasites and may play a major role in the epidemiology of intestinal parasites.