Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites on Some Selected Fruits Sold In Kashere Market, Akko L.G.A. Gombe State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites on some selected fruits sold in Kashere Market as nature of consumption of fruits has been a major source of food born parasitic infection. A total of one hundred and forty (140) fruits of seven (7) different varieties were examined for intestinal parasites using sedimentation method. Ninety two (92) out of 140 samples were positive for intestinal parasites microscopically. Among these fruits, mango had the highest
number of intestinal parasites which was 18 (90%) and the lowest was recorded in banana 7(35%). Stages of parasites found were Ova of Ascaris lumbricoides 22(23.9%); cyst of Entamoeba histolytica 9(9.7%); eggs of Hookworm i.e. A. duodenale 15(16.3); Larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis 10(10.8%); protozoa (cyst of Giardia lamblia) 10(10.8%); Hymenolepis nana 3(3.2%); eggs of nematodes (Enterobius vermicularis) 11(11.9%); Trichuris trichuria (6.5%); eggs of Clonorchis sinensis 6(6.5%). Data were subjected to two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and it showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) on the prevalence of intestinal parasites on the seven (7) variety of fruits sampled. Result shows high level of fruits contamination with intestinal parasites in Kashere Market, pointing to a great risk of acquiring and transmitting intestinal parasitic infections by eating improper unwashed fruits. It is recommended that proper hygiene and washing of fruits should be observed before consumption in order to reduce the rate of illness caused by intestinal parasites which results to high mortality rate in the world today.