Intestinal Parasites Isolated from Some Vegetables Sold in Ado-Ekiti Market, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Objective: There is a reported association between contaminated fresh vegetables and food-borne parasitic diseases. Intestinal parasite infections are a global public health threat. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2023 to identify parasites in common vegetables from markets in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total of 120 vegetable samples from four markets were examined. The vegetables were washed separately in 150 ml of normal saline to remove parasitic ova, larvae, or cysts. After discarding the vegetables, the residue was left overnight, sieved, and the suspension was centrifuged at 2,000 rpm for five minutes. The sediment was examined under a light microscope using ×10 and ×40 objectives. Results: Out of the 120 samples examined, 78 (65%) of the vegetables were positive for intestinal parasites with which Ewedu leaf (Corchorus olitorius) recorded the highest parasitic contamination with 30 (38.5%). In contrast, Uziza leaf (Piper guineense) and Carrot (Daucus carota) recorded the lowest parasite contamination 4 (5.1%). Seven different types of parasites were isolated from 120 vegetables from 4 different markets; these parasites include Strongyloides stercoralis 34 (43.6%), Gardia lamblia 20 (25.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 8 (10.3%), Hookworm 6 (7.7%), Entamoeba histolytica 4 (5.1%), Balantidium coli 4 (5.1%) and Trichuris trichuria 2 (2.6%). Conclusion: Vegetables from selected markets in Ado-Ekiti were contaminated with significant parasites, posing disease transmission risks. Enhanced hygiene practices among farmers, consumers, and vendors are crucial to reducing intestinal parasite infections.