Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2869
Title: The prevalence of parasites in commonly used leafy vegetables in South Western, Saudi Arabia.
Authors: Bello, CSS
Issue Date: Nov-2007
Publisher: Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals
Series/Report no.: 27;5
2;14
Abstract: Objective To determine the degree of contamination caused by parasites in commonly used leafy vegetables in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods We carried out the study in the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology, King Khalid University, Abha, KSA, during the period September 2004 to May 2005. Five commonly used leafy vegetables, namely, green onion, radish, watercress, lettuce and leek, were washed each in water and Tris-buffer-saline (TBS). The washing solution was then centrifuged and the sediments were examined for parasites. Results The use of TBS for the extraction, significantly increased the isolation rate (27.2%) of the parasites compared with the use of tap water (7.8%)(z= 4.72 p< 0.001). The prevalence of the parasites was 28% in green onion, 25% in radish, 17% in watercress, 17% in lettuce, and 13% in leek. The parasites were more common in the months of September to December. Ankylostoma duodenale, Entameba coli, Ascaris lumbricoides and Blastocystis hominis were the most common isolated parasites. We encountered 12 genera of parasites during the study and the least common was iodamoeba butschlii. Conclusion The study shows that parasites are common in leafy vegetables and the use of tap water does little to remove them. The public health implications of our findings will be communicated to the Aseer regional health authorities for appropriate community health education and other necessary actions.
URI: http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2869
Appears in Collections:Research Articles

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