Assessment of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables in Mannuthy, Kerala state, India

Abstract

Aim: To assess the parasitic contamination of raw vegetables retailed at Mannuthy in Thrissur district of Kerala state, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 samples, viz. cabbage (17), mint (11), coriander leaves (11), spinach (15), onion (10), carrot (10), potato (10), ginger (15), beet root (7) and tomato (6) were collected from retail market at Mannuthy, Kerala. Collected samples were washed with physiological saline solution. The washings were collected and examined under light microscopy. Results: Helminthic eggs were detected in three (2.7%) of 112 samples. Two samples of cabbage (1.8%) and one sample of onion (0.9%) was positive for ova of Ascaris spp. Conclusion: Vegetables can act as potential source of gastrointestinal parasitic infections. The study emphasizes the need for proper washing of vegetables before they are consumed or cooked.

Keywords

• helminthic eggs
• parasitic contamination
• public health