ABSTRACT

This study aimed at assessing the level of contamination with parasites of fruits and vegetables sold in markets in Uyo was carried out between the months of September and November 2014. Seven (7) vegetables namely Daucus carrota (carrot), Brassica o/eracea {cabbage}, Telfalria occidentalis {pumpkin), Abelmoschus esculentus {okra), Talinum triangulare (waterleaf), Solanium macrocarpon (Garden egg), Gnetum africanum (Ukazl) and 2 fruits namely Musa sapientum (Banana), Ma/us pumila mill (apple) from Akpanedem and Ikot Oku Ikono market in Uyo L.G.A, Akwa Ibom State were examined for the presence of parasitic contamination using sedimentation technique. All the fruits and vegetables were contaminated but at various degrees with eggs, cyst of parasites and adult parasites. The two fruits were infected with five (5) eggs (6.67%) and 1 cyst (2.78%) while the seven vegetables had 70 (seventy) eggs (93.33%) thirty five (35) cysts (97.22%) and eleven (11) adult parasites 100%. Four (4) groups of parasites were encountered. These were protozoa 3(37.5%), nematodes 3(37.5%), cestode 1(12.5%) and trematode 1(12.5 %.) they are made up of the following parasites Entamoeba histolytica 16(13.11%), Cryptosporidium spp 8(6.56%), Didinium 11(9.02%), in the protozoa group, Ascaris lumbricoides 33(27.05%), Trichuris trichiura 4(3.29%), Enterobius vermicularis 9(7.38%), in the nematode group, Hymenolepis diminuta (2.46%), a cestode and Fasciola hepatica 26(21.31%) a trematode. More eggs 75(61.47%) than cysts and adult forms were encountered. Telfairia occidental/is (pumpkin) had the highest parasitic contamination 33(27.05%). Ascaris lumbrfcoides was the most prevalent of the parasites 33(27.05%) and was V found contaminating all the fruits and vegetable. Since fruits and vegetables are potential sources of parasitic infection in the study area (uyo), consumers should avoid acquiring parasitic infection from contaminated fruits and vegetable supplied In uyo through proper washing and cooking. Seeding of the environment with faecal matter should be discouraged and good toilet system provided for the people