Geohelminth Contamination Of Some Common Fruits And Vegetables In Umuahia Metropolis And Environs,Abia State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

 A study to assess the geohelminth contamination of some common fruits and vegetables was conducted in Umuahia metropolis and environs. The fruits and vegetables were bought directly from the rural farmers and examined for the presence of geohelminth eggs and larvae using the formol ether concentration method. Two (2) vegetables and one fruit were found to be contaminated with geohelminth egg and larvae. These were Gnetum (Ukazi); (25.0%) Talinum triangulare (water leaf) (50.0%) and Citrus sinensis (orange) (25.0%). More vegetables (75%) than fruits (25. 0%) were infected. Helminths recovered were the hookworm egg (25.0%) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (75.0%). Attention is drawn to Strongyloides stercoralis larvae which also naturally infects dogs and may be acquired as a zoonotic infection. Thorough washing of vegetables and fruits before consumption is therefore recommended.