Prevalence of Helminth Eggs on Raw Vegetables and Fruits Sold in Selected Markets in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Humans, in their effort to be fed with a healthy diet, regularly consume raw (fresh) vegetables and fruits. Unfortunately, raw vegetables and fruits could serve as carriers of parasitic pathogens.

Aim: A study conducted between November 2014 and February 2015 aimed at determining the prevalence of parasitic helminth eggs on fresh vegetables and fruits sold in four major markets in Makurdi, Benue State.

Methods: A total of 131 samples of fresh vegetables and 59 samples of fresh fruits were examined for helminth eggs and larvae using standard methods.

Results: Data showed prevalence of parasite eggs on vegetables as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (41.1%), hookworm (8.9%), Trichuris spp (12.1%), Toxocara canis (13.7%), Taenia spp (13.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (7.3%) and Paramphistome (3.2%); while prevalence of parasite eggs on fruits was as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (38.7%), hookworm (8%), Trichuris spp (16%), Taenia spp (20%), Strongyloides stercoralis (89.3%) and Paramphistome (8%). A very strong positive correlation existed between the prevalence of parasitic helminth eggs in vegetables and that of fruits sold in Makurdi (‘r’ =0.9405). Pumpkin and water leaf were the most contaminated of among the vegetables sampled. Location related prevalence of parasite eggs on vegetables and fruits were not significant (P˃0.05).

Conclusion: The need to treat or thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before consumption should not be overlooked.