A Study of Public Health Risks Associated with the Consumption of Dates Fruits (Dobino: Phoenix dactylifera) in some Selected Markets in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, Abuja

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the Parasitological assessment of the common Dates (Dobino: Phoenix dactylifera) sold in Gwagwalada Area Council. One hundred (100) dry Date fruits each was purchased from three different markets in Gwagwalada Area Council. A total of 300 fruits were acquired. Each of the fruits was washed in 5ml normal saline and standard laboratory technique was employed to concentrate the parasites in the water. Sediments were placed on a glass slide and observed microscopically using x10 and x40 objective lens, for possible parasite ova. From the 300 date Fruits examined, 35 were contaminated with ova of parasites. 19 of the dates (54%) harbored soil transmitted helminths while 16 (46%) contained other parasites. Identified geohelminths include ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Ancylostoma duodenale. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite encountered and was statistically significant (p<0.05) across the study area. Fruits are very beneficial to health and their consumption has been recommended in daily diets. The consequences of human infection with soil transmitted helminths (geohelminths) are of major health concern in developing countries. The transmission of such helminths is promoted by poor sanitation and personal hygiene such as insanitary handling of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, proper hygienic policies should be adopted.