High-level parasitic contamination of soil sampled in Ibadan metropolis.

Soil transmitted helminthes infections are common chronic human infections worldwide, this has been recognized as an important health problem, particularly in developing countries. The study was conducted within Ibadan metropolis in Oyo State, south western Nigeria between September 2008 and March 2009 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite in soil samples within the city. A total of 102 soil samples were collected from different sources from five local government areas ranging from refuse dumps, vegetable farms, school play grounds, abattoir, hospital, vicinity of house, gutter and road side. Two different methods of concentrating ova/cysts of parasites were used to analyze the samples--the zinc sulphate floatation technique and concentrated glucose solution method. Fifty-seven (55.9%) soil samples were positive for one or more parasites. These included; hookworm (37.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (20%), Entamoeba histolytica (18.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (17.3%), Trichuris trichiura (6.7%) respectively. The total number of parasites recovered was 75 (73.5%) and 74 (98.7) of these were recovered by the zinc sulphate floatation technique while only 44% was recovered by the concentrated normal saline-glucose solution technique. This study thus established the high prevalence rate of intestinal parasites in the soil sampled in Ibadan city and this obviously is one major means by which residents are at risk of parasitic diseases and also one of the means of vegetable contamination.

The presence of intestinal parasites in selected vegetables from open markets in south western Nigeria.

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infection worldwide. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of food-borne illness linked to fresh vegetables which is a major way in the transmission of intestinal parasites. The study was carried out to determine the level of parasitological contamination of vegetables sold at selected markets in south western Nigeria. A total of 120 samples from different vegetables were randomly sampled from major selected open markets in 3 cities. The vegetables were analysed using macroscopic, sedimentation and magnesium sulphate floatation techniques. Eighty-two (68.3%) of the vegetables were positive for intestinal parasites from which water leaf (Talinium triangulare) and 'soko' (Celosis) recorded the highest (100%) parasitic contamination. Parasites detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%), hookworm (18.3%), Taenia spp (4.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis (45.8%), Balantidium coli (0.8%). Vegetables in each of these cities had almost the same high rate of parasitic contamination; Ibadan (70%), Ilorin (70%) and Lagos (65%). This study further emphasised the role of vegetables in the transmission of intestinal parasites in developing countries. Therefore, vegetable farmers should therefore be enlightened on the modern use of night soil as fertilizer and the treatment of irrigation water or municipal waste water before use. There is also dire need for the improvement of sanitary facilities in our markets and vegetable vendors should also be included in the screening of food handlers.