Abstrakt
Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infection worldwide. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of food-borne illness linked to fresh vegetables which is a major way in the transmission of intestinal parasites. The study was carried out to determine the level of parasitological contamination of vegetables sold at selected markets in south western Nigeria. A total of 120 samples from different vegetables were randomly sampled from major selected open markets in 3 cities. The vegetables were analysed using macroscopic, sedimentation and magnesium sulphate floatation techniques. Eighty-two (68.3%) of the vegetables were positive for intestinal parasites from which water leaf (Talinium triangulare) and ‘soko’ (Celosis) recorded the highest (100%) parasitic contamination. Parasites detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%), hookworm (18.3%), Taenia spp (4.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis (45.8%), Balantidium coli (0.8%). Vegetables in each of these cities had almost the same high rate of parasitic contamination; Ibadan (70%), Ilorin (70%) and Lagos (65%). This study further emphasised the role of vegetables in the transmission of intestinal parasites in developing countries. Therefore, vegetable farmers should therefore be enlightened on the modern use of night soil as fertilizer and the treatment of irrigation water or municipal waste water before use. There is also dire need for the improvement of sanitary facilities in our markets and vegetable vendors should also be included in the screening of food handlers.
Keywords: Intestinal Parasites, vegetables, Market and South western Nigeria
Résumé
Les infections parasitaires intestinales sont parmi les infections les plus communes du monde. Ces dernières années, il y’a eu une augmentation du nombre de cas reportes d’intoxication liées aux légumes qui sont les moyens majeurs de transmission des parasites intestinaux. Cette étude était faite pour déterminer le niveau de contamination parasitologique des légumes vendus dans quelques marches sélectionnés au sud Ouest du Nigéria. Un total de 120 échantillons de différents légumes était collecté dans certains marches de 3 villes. Les légumes étaient analyses a l’aide des techniques macroscopiques de sédimentation. 82(68.3%) des légumes étaient positifs aux parasites intestinaux parmi lesquels le “waterleave” (Talinium triangulaire) et le “soko” (célosie) démontraient la plus forte contamination parasitaire (100%). Les parasites détectés étaient Ascaris lombricoïdes (16.7%), les amibes (18.3%), le ténia spp (4.2%),strogyloides stercorales (45.8%), bolantidium coli (0.8%). Les légumes dans chacune de ces villes avaient Presque le même taux de contamination parasitaire; Ibadan (70%),Ilorin (70%) et Lagos (65%). Cette étude a plutard montre le rôle des légumes dans la transmission des parasites intestinaux dans les pays en développement. Cependant, les techniques modernes d’utilisations des engrais doivent être enseignés aux agriculteurs ainsi que le traitement des eaux d’irrigation. Il y’a aussi un besoin essentiel d’une amélioration des facilites sanitaires dans nos marchés, et les vendeurs de légumes doivent être impliques dans la sensibilisation.
Correspondence: Mr. Olusoga D. Ogbolu, G.P.O. Box 17462, Ibadan, Nigeria. E-mail: olusogadave@yahoo.com
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