Analysis of Geohelminths Contamination in Raw Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Ebonyi State Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p><br>Background: Geohelminth infections are among the major global public health problems in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study of<br>geohelminths infection was carried out in some common fruits and vegetables from an international market, Ebonyi State Nigeria.<br>Methodology: A total of 146 samples of fruits and vegetables were secured directly from Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the international market<br>and were examined in the laboratory for the presence of geohelminths by the sedimentation technique after washing with normal saline<br>and centrifugation at 1,500 rmp for 5 minutes.<br>Results: 103 samples of fruits and vegetables were contaminated. The overall geohelminths prevalence for vegetables was 69.9%, the<br>highest of geohelminths contamination was fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), while garden egg leaf (Solanum marcrocarpon)<br>was the least contaminated, for fruits, garden egg fruit (Solanum melongena) was the most contaminated. The least contaminated<br>was cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Ascaris Lumbricoides larvae was the most frequent geohelminth contamination of fruits and<br>vegetables, followed by hookworm larvae and Ascaris lumbricoides ova. Other parasites identified were mites, protozoa and<br>Balantidiumcoli. The highest number of geohelminths contamination was found in Lot 1 with 78.9% contamination of vegetables<br>and 60.0% of fruits. <br>Conclusion: The findings have implications for human health and emphasize the importance of raw fruits and vegetables in threatening<br>public health. Producers ought to be aware of raw fruits and vegetables contamination and observe proper cultivation and sanitation<br>and consumers should follow sound hygiene prior to their use.</p>