Parasitic Contents of Prominent Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Different Markets in Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken from May to August 2021 to investigate the prevalence and predictors of contamination in fruits and vegetables sold in Lokoja's various markets. A systematic questionnaire was used to collect data on vendors' socio-demographic characteristics, as well as factors linked with fruit and vegetable contamination. A total of 192 samples of selected fruits and vegetables were collected from four (4) different markets in Lokoja metropolis. The samples were soaked in normal saline and shaken vigorously for 15 minutes. The sedimentation concentration technique was used to conduct microscopic examinations. The acquired results were analyzed with the SPSS version. Of the 192 samples tested, vegetables were the most polluted (60.4%), while fruits were the least (48.9%). The highest rate of contamination (36.2%) was found in Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum), while Guava (Psidiumguajava) was the least polluted (14.9%). For vegetables, African spinach (Amaranthus Hybridus) had the highest percentage of contamination (39.7%), while carrot (Daucuscarota) had the lowest (13.8%). A total of 105 (54.7%) were infected with at least one parasitic species. Hookworm spp. (28.6%) were the most commonly seen parasites, whereas Taenia spp. (1.9%) were the least prevalent. Increased parasite contamination was shown to be strongly linked with open market displays (p<0.05). The outcomes of this study show that there is a danger of contracting parasite illnesses by eating raw fruits and vegetables in Lokoja, Kogi state, Nigeria. It is recommended that vegetables and fruits be thoroughly washed before to ingestion.