Study of Parasitic Contamination of Vegetable Sold in Keffi Market, Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

Abstract

Consumption of raw, unhygienically prepared, or improperly washed vegetables can lead to intestinal parasitic diseases. This study aimed to determine the presence of parasites in vegetables sold in Keffi Market as a means of identifying parasitic infection. A total of 185 samples of five different types of vegetables were examined for parasitic contamination, with an overall contamination rate of 53.51% (99 samples). Gusau Market had a higher infestation rate at 55.79% compared to 51.11% recorded in Sambisa Market. There was no significant difference in the parasitic contamination of vegetables sold in Keffi markets (P>0.05). Fluted pumpkin leaf (T. occidentalis) had the highest contamination rate at 72.00%, followed by carrot (Daucus carota) at 70.00%. Cabbage (B. oleracea), tomato (L. esculentum), and green pepper (C. annum) had contamination rates of 36.67%, 46.66%, and 37.78%, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest occurrence rate among the parasites recovered at 33.33%, followed by Hookworm and S. stercoralis at 31.31% and 24.24%, respectively. Trichuris trichiura was the least encountered parasite at 11.11%. Vegetables sold in public markets within Keffi Local Government Area are contaminated with parasites, particularly soil-transmitted parasites. Emphasizing the proper washing of vegetables with potable water before processing is crucial to reduce transmission and re-infection.