DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF PATHOGENIC PARASITES IN FRESH PRODUCE SOLD IN LOCAL MARKETS OF GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL, FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Fresh produce can harbour diverse parasitic species with varying public health significance. Understanding the composition and distribution of these parasites across different fruits and vegetables is essential for targeted interventions. This study investigated the diversity, prevalence, and distribution of pathogenic parasites in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables sold in local markets of Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2023 across three markets (Iddo Modern Market, Barko Market, and Fruits Market). A total of 150 samples comprising five fruits (orange, pawpaw, watermelon, pineapple, banana) and five vegetables (cucumber, cabbage, carrot, pumpkin leaf, garden egg leaf) were analysed using sedimentation and flotation techniques with microscopic identification. Parasite species were identified based on morphological criteria, and their distribution across produce types was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at P ≤ 0.05. Eight parasite species belonging to two genera; helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hookworm, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichuris trichiura) and protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia) were detected across 212 total parasitic isolates. A. lumbricoides (21.23%) and S. stercoralis (18.87%) were the most prevalent, while T. trichiura (1.89%) was the least. Cabbage harboured the highest number of parasite isolates (40/212, 18.9%), followed by carrot (36/212, 17.0%), while orange had the fewest (6/212, 2.8%). A significant association was found between parasite species and produce type (χ² = 90.601, df = 63, P = .013). A diverse array of pathogenic parasites contaminates fresh produce in Iddo markets, with helminths predominating in vegetables and protozoans showing relatively higher occurrence in fruits. Cabbage and carrot emerged as the highest risk produce types for parasitic diversity. These findings emphasize the need for species-specific surveillance and targeted food safety interventions.
Keywords: parasite diversity, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, helminths, protozoa, fresh produce, Nigeria
