Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Open-Air Markets in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Fresh fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet but may serve as vehicles for intestinal parasites when contaminated during production, transport, marketing, or handling. This study assessed parasitic contamination of selected fruits and vegetables sold in open-air markets in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2025. A total of 180 samples, comprising lettuce, cabbage, carrot, tomato, cucumber, and garden egg, were randomly purchased from five major open-air markets in Jos metropolis. Samples were processed using sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. The resulting sediments were examined microscopically after Lugol's iodine staining for the presence of parasite eggs, cysts, larvae, and other diagnostic stages. Data were summarised using frequencies and percentages, and differences in contamination across markets were assessed using the chi-square test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall, 94 of 180 samples were contaminated with at least one intestinal parasite, giving a prevalence of 52.22%. The parasites detected were Strongyloides stercoralis (42.31%), hookworm species (21.50%), Ascaris lumbricoides (14.42%), Entamoeba histolytica (14.42%), and Enterobius vermicularis (7.69%). Cabbage had the highest contamination rate (80%), followed by lettuce (70%), carrot (60%), tomato (46.67%), garden egg (30%), and cucumber (23.33%). Market-level contamination ranged from 41.67% in Terminus market to 63.89% in Farin Gada market, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings indicate that fruits and vegetables sold in selected open-air markets in Jos are frequently contaminated with intestinal parasites. Improved hygiene during production, transport, display, and household preparation is needed to reduce potential exposure to food-borne parasitic infections.