PREVALENCE OF PARASITES ON VEGETABLES IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A study on the prevalence of parasites on vegetables was carried out in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 450 vegetable samples were obtained from five (5) different types of vegetable, using a randomized design. Samples were examined using concentration method. The result showed a prevalence of 39.1% of parasites. Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) had the highest contamination (52%) of parasites and Daucus carota (Carrot) had the least (24%) contamination of parasites. Statistical analysis showed a significant association (p>0.05) between the distribution of various parasites on different vegetable types. It is recommended that proper cleaning and careful handling of vegetable be adopted as means of reducing the risk of infection from consumption of vegetables.