Parasitic Contamination of Vegetables Consumed Raw in Parts of South East Nigeria: A Challenge to NTDs Elimination

Consumption of raw vegetables has been implicated in the transmission of parasites, hence mitigating efforts geared towards the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This study assessed the parasitic contamination of vegetables sold in open markets in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Garden egg leaf (Solanum macrocarpon), Okazi leaf (Gnetum africanum), and utazi (Gangronema latifolium) were purchased from nine vendors, three selected randomly from three different markets namely Afor Enyiogwugwu, Ihiagwa and Eke-Ukwu Owerre. Samples were processed using standard parasitological techniques and data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 54 vegetable samples were examined out of which 22 (40.7%) were contaminated with parasites. Three parasite species were identified. Gardia lamblia recorded the highest prevalence of 20.4% followed by Entamoeba histolytica (11.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3%). Solanum macrocapon was the most contaminated vegetable (12, 66.6%) followed by Gangronema latifolium (6, 33.3%) and Gnetum africanum (4, 22.2%). Highest contamination of vegetables was recorded in Afor Enyiogwugwu (10, 55.5%). However, the results show no significant difference in the distribution of the parasites species across the sampled vegetables and markets (p>0.05). This study has shown that consuming raw vegetables is a potential source for the transmission of intestinal parasites in Owerri and this poses a significant challenge to NTDs control and elimination in the country. The status of WASH among households in the study area should be evaluated and improved to reduce environmental contamination with human wastes. Efforts should also be geared towards improving hygiene practices among consumers, vendors and farmers to reduce transmission of parasites through consumption of raw vegetables. Key words: Intestinal Parasites, contamination, Vegetables, Markets, NTDs