Fresh Vegetables and Ready-to-eat Salads: Sources of Parasitic Zoonoses in Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana
Fresh Vegetables and Ready-to-eat Salads: Sources of Parasitic Zoonoses in Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana
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Date
2020
Authors
Papa Kofi, Amissah-Reynolds
Denis, Dekugmen Yar
Isaac, Gyamerah
Ofosuhene, Yaw Apenteng
Sophia, Sakyi
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety
Abstract
This study assessed parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads from
Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Water and soil samples from various farms
were also assessed for possible sources of contamination. Fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat
salads were examined for parasites using saline as floatation medium, stained with Lugol’s iodine
and Ziehl Neelsen and observed under X40 objective lens. Data gathered were analyzed using
Microsoft Excel. Of the 271 fresh vegetables examined, Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest
prevalence (26.94%), followed by Giardia lamblia (19.93%). However, of the 120 salad samples
examined, Giardia lamblia was most prevalent (24.17%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides
(19.17%). Fasciola spp., Moniezia, Toxocara spp., Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba histolytica,
were other parasites recovered from both fresh vegetables and salads and also from soil and water
on the farms. Fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads were contaminated with parasites of both
human and animal origin, similar to those recovered from soil and water on the farms. Farm soils
and water are potential sources of parasitic infestations on vegetables. Consumers of fresh
vegetables and ready-to-eat salads are at risk of diarrheal diseases and parasitic zoonoses.
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Citation
Amissah-Reynolds, P. K. (2020). Fresh Vegetables and Ready-to-eat Salads: Sources of Parasitic Zoonoses in Mampong-Ashanti.