EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN PARASITIC HELMINTHS INFESTATION ASSOCIATED WITH VEGETABLES ON SALES IN OKEBAALE AREA IN OSOGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.
Abstract
Human parasitic helminths pose a significant public health risk, majorly in developing regions where vegetables are mostly consumed raw or with little or no processing. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of human parasitic helminthsamong vegetables sold in Sasa, Ojaoba and Ojude oga marketmarkets within Okebaale area of Osogbo, Osun state . A total of 150 vegetables, 50 from each markets were randomly selectedfrom different vendors and analyzed using using sedimentationand floatation technique. Data obtained was analyzed statistically using SPSS 20.0. The result revealed that Vernomiaamygdalina has the highest prevalence of parasitic contamination of 2(4%) in Sasa market,7(14%) in Oja obamarket and 7(14%) in Ojude oga market with a p value of 0.015 followed by Talinum triangulare with 2(4%) in Sasamarket,8(16%) in Oja oba market and 5(10%) in Ojude ogamarket with a p value of 0.031 and Allium fistulosum has the least prevalence of parasitic contamination of 1(2%) in Sasamarket,3(6%) in Oja oba market and 1(2%) in Ojude oga market with a p value of 0.127. Parasite with the highest prevalence is Ascaris lumbricoides with 14(28%) in Sasa market,11(22%) in Oja oba market and 12(24%) in Ojude oga market with a p value of 0.712 followed by Taenia solium with 4(8%) in Sasamarket, 17(34%) in Oja oba market and 11(22%) in Ojude ogamarket withb a p value of 0,003 and Strongyloides stercoraliswith 0(0%) in Sasa market, 1(2%) in Oja oba market and 0(0%) in Ojude oga market with p value of 0.154. The contamination was significantly associated with poor hygiene practices, use of untreated wastewater for irrigation, and inadequate market sanitation. This study highlights the potential health hazards linked to the consumption of contaminated vegetables and emphasizes the need for public health interventions including improved market sanitation, improved public health education and safe irrigation practices.
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