PARASITIC CONTAMINATION OF RAW FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES COMMONLY SOLD AT CENTRAL MARKETS IN BAMENDA MUNICIPALITY, NORTH WEST REGION - CAMEROON

Consumption of raw fruits and vegetables constitute a potential source of spread for various parasitic infections. The level of contamination and the various species of parasites found are based on climatic, ecological, and human factors. The purpose of this study was to determine local data about the contamination status of raw fruits and vegetables commonly sold in markets at the Bamenda municipality and the predisposing factors, for better control of parasitic diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2023 on fruits and vegetables collected from local markets of Bamenda town. A total of 200 samples were purchased from four main markets located at center town. The samples were microscopically examined for detection of different parasitic forms and determine the level of parasitic contamination using standardized parasitological techniques for protozoans and helminthes. The difference between prevalence of intestinal parasites among different categories was compared using Pearson chi-square test. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables. The result was considered statistically significant when p value was less than 0.05 at 95% confidence level. A total of 123 individual parasites were found representing 61.5% of the infection in total produce. Ten (10) protozoa parasites were detected and Cryptosporidium spp (25.0%) were more represented followed by Entamoeba histolytica (12.5%) while Entamoeba coli (2.0%), Isospora belli (2.0%) and Balantidium coli (2.0%) have the least rate. Six (6) species of helminth parasites were identified and Hookworms (3,5%) were more present. The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 47.0%. Washing of the fruits and vegetables before display for selling was significantly associated with decreased parasitic contamination ( p < 0.05). The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination was 47.0%. Different parasites were identified in mono and or in polyinfection. C. pavum and E. histolytica were protozoa more common, while A. lumbricoïdes and Hookworms were the most frequent helminths. The act of washing fruits and vegetables before displaying for sale, the sources of water used for washing, the means of display for selling and their duration in the market appeared to be factors associated with parasitic contamination.