EVALUATION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM OOCYSTS ON SOME VEGETABLES SOLD IN SELECTED MARKETS WITHIN MINNA METROPOLIS, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is one of the most significant parasites responsible for short-lived gastroenteritis in humans. This infection can cause a veritable risk to public health, economy and physical and cognitive development primarily among the minors in developing worlds. Fresh vegetables are important part of a healthy diet for human and can serve as means of transmission of parasites that inhabit the intestine. In this study, Modified Zeihl-Neelsen staining technique was used to assess the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocyst on fresh vegetables sold in selected Markets within Minna metropolis, Niger State. A total of 600 samples were randomly selected from three different Markets (Kure, Gwari and Bosso) in Minna. A total of 200 samples were collected from each Market. Four different vegetables that were selected for the study are; Cabbage, Carrot, Lettuce and Tomato. For each vegetable type, 150 samples were collected. Five (0.83%) out of 600 samples assessed were positive for Cryptosporidium oocyst. Lettuce and Cabbage had 2 (1.33%) contamination rate each, Carrot had 1 (0.67%) and Tomato had no contamination. Vegetablesfrom Gwari Market had the highest contamination of oocyst with 3 (1.5%) followed by Kure Market with 2 (1%) and Bosso Market without oocyst contamination. The month of August recorded the highest oocyst contamination of 3 (2.5%) followed by the months ofJune and July with 1 (0.83%) and no contamination rate was recorded in the months of November and December respectively. Chi square analysis (P˂0.05) showed significance difference between occurrence of oocyst and vegetable types. Sedimentation method was used to recover other parasites of medical importance from the vegetable samples. One hundred and thirty-four(22.33%)samples were positive for other parasites. The highest was Entamoeba histolytica positive for 35 (5.83%) samples and the lowest was Trichiuris trichiura positive for 6 (1.00%) samples. The presence of these parasite on the vegetable samples is of major public health concern. Proper washing of fruits and vegetables with clean water before consumption is highly recommended