Contamination of some Vegetables with parasites in Amedi District – Kurdistan Region

The current study investigated the presence of parasitic infective stages, such as ova, oocysts, and cysts, in infected raw vegetables in Amedi District. Out of 700 fresh vegetable samples were obtained from various locations, including home gardens, vegetable fields, and local markets. Various types of vegetables were examined, such as Lettuces (127), Cabbage (106), Celery (130), Parsley (165), Carrot (64), and Radish (108). Helminth ova, cysts, and oocysts of different parasites were found in 593 (84.71%) samples. E. granulosus ova were found in 117 (16.71%), followed by E. histolytica cysts in 107 (15.28%), Giardia cysts in 106 (15.14%), Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in 95 (13.57%), Ascaris ova in 71 (10.14%), Hymenolepis nana in 51 (7.28%), and Toxocarra ova in 46 (6.57%). The contamination rates of T. gondii, Hymenolepis nana ova, Toxocarra ova, and E. histolytica cysts were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to other helminths and protozoans such as E. granulosus ova, Giardia cyst, and Ascaris ova. In conclusion, eating raw and unwashed vegetables may be contaminated with ova, oocysts, or cysts of parasites, and contamination might be greatly underestimated, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation. Vegetables can become contaminated with parasites in a variety of ways, such as during production, processing, storage, and sales. Therefore, contamination may be eliminated by implementing sanitary measures at every stage of production and consumption.