Assessment of Enteric Helminthes Ova on Ready to Eat Selected Vegetables (Garden Egg, Cucumber and Carrot) in Ushongo LGA of Benue State

Author(s): Yandev Doowuese, V. N. Chigor, M. J. Abam, J. O. Olasan, M. N. Ishwua, J. S. Osar

The aim of this work was to investigate the level of enteric helminthes ova contamination on ready to eat selected vegetables in Ushongo Government of Benue state. The sampling locations comprised of three major markets: Ikyobo, Lobi and Lessel markets. A total of 270 samples were collected, 90 samples in each market (30 carrots, 30 garden egg and 30 cucumber). The samples were transported aseptically to the laboratory for egg analysis using centrifugation, microscopy and standard identification guide. Carrot was the most contaminated vegetable with a total of 63 contaminated samples out of 90 samples, hence percentage contamination was 70%. Cucumber and garden egg had percentage contamination of 57% and 55% respectively. From a total of 270 vegetable samples investigated, 175 were contaminated with helminthes egg, thus resulting in 64.8% vegetable contamination in Ushongo LGA. Based on market type and location, contamination was highest in Lessel market (72.2%) followed by Lobi market (63.3%) and Ikyobo market (58.8%). Vegetable contamination in the three location was statistically the same (χ2=1.76, P>0.05) as there was no significant association between market locations and the number of contaminated vegetables. In cucumber, Entamoeba histolytica was the highest contaminant (39%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (17%), and Giadia lamblia (12%). In carrot samples, Entamoeba coli (21%) and Entamoeba histolytica (21%) were the most occurring eggs isolated. This was followed by Chilomastix mesnili (16%) and Iodamoeba buestchili (10%). Others are: Trichuris trichiura (8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6%), Entamoeba nana (6%) and Ancyclostoma duodenale (5%). In garden egg, Giardia lamblia was the most common contaminant (33%). Also found were species of the genera Entamoeba and other species found in cucumber. A total of 14 egg types of different species were identified. Entamoeba histolytica (20%), Entamoeba coli (19%), Giardia lamblia (17%) and Chilomastix mesnili (10%) were the top four egg contaminants. Others species occurred in <10%. The high prevalence of enteric helminthes ova across the various markets was a reflection that vendors, producers and consumers are prone to parasitic attacks as a result of eating raw or uncooked vegetables in the study area. The information given in this report is crucial in the prevention of disease outbreaks associated with enteric helminthes in the study area.

Contamination, Enteric helminthes, Ushongo LGA, Vegetables

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