HELMINTHES IN COMMERCIALLY SOLD SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA): THE PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

*O. Yahaya., Z.K. Egbunu., O.E. Miachi  and C.L. Ezema

Department of Science Laboratory Technology

Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State

E-mail: ocholiahmed@yahoo.com.

ABSTRACT

Helminthes in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) occurs through faecal contaminated irrigation water and fecal pollution of soil with eggs of Helminthes. The distributions of helminthes were determined in 150 commercially sold Spinach in Ega market over a period of eight (8) weeks. The samples were washed with sterile distilled water, filtered and centrifuged at 500rpm for 5 minutes and examined microscopically. A total of 116 helminthes eggs/ova were counted and all samples tested had more than one type of parasite ova. A.lumbricoides 37 (31.9%), F.hepatica 15(12.9%), S.mansonii 14(12.1%), S.stercoralis 18(15.5%), E.vermicularis 22(19.0%) and T.trichuira 10 (8.6%). The incidence of helminthes in commercially sold Spinach may be due to poor water quality, used of poorly composted animal dung as manure and poor handling of vegetables produce. Thorough washing and adequate cooking of vegetables prior to use are highly recommended.

Keywords: Helminthes, spinach, parasites, Health, infection.