Abstract:
Background: One way that people get infected with intestinal parasites is through the consumption of
contaminated vegetables and fruits. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of parasitic
contamination of fruits and vegetables collected from four local markets in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 21 September 2014 to determine the level of parasitic
contamination of fruits and vegetables sold in Arba Minch town. A total of 360 samples of different types of fruits
and vegetables were soaked in physiological saline, followed by vigorous shaking with the aid of a mechanical
shaker for 15 minutes and then examined using the sedimentation concentration technique.
Results: Out of the 360 samples examined, 196 (54.4%) were contaminated with at least one type of parasite.
Ascaris lumbricoides (20.83%) was the most frequently detected parasite and Isospora belli (3.06%) was the least
frequently detected one. It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated
with washing the products before displaying it for selling (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The findings of this study provide evidence that there is a potentially high risk of acquiring parasitic
infections from the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. The authors believe that an
effort should be made by the relevant bodies to reduce the rate of contamination of products with medically
important parasites by educating the vendors and the community.
