Isolation, Identification and Characterisation of Coccidian Protozoa in Foods Intended for Direct Consumption in Two Major Markets in the City of Yaounde, Cameroon

Abstract

Direct-consumer foods are essential for a healthy diet, but they can also carry environmental forms of intestinal parasites. A survey was conducted in the city of Yaounde, Cameroon, from November 2021 to April 2022, samples of fruits, seeds, drinks and vegetables were collected from two markets in the city of Yaounde. The objective was to detect the presence of oocysts in foods for direct consumption that are sold in the markets of the city of Yaounde. An application of a simple sedimentation method and a modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique of the forms of dissemination of coccidian protozoa made it possible to identify and count a total of 1280 oocysts/g with a predominance of Cryptosporidium spp. (64 %), followed by Cyclospora sp. (33 %). Isospora belli and Sarcocystis spp occupy the last place with 2 % and 1 % respectively. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) had the highest contamination rate, reaching 196 oocysts/g, followed by Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)  with 182 oocysts/g, then Cola (Cola acuminata) with 161 oocysts/g, then carrots (Daucus carota subsp. Sativus)  with 120, sprout water and water in sachets occupied last place with respectively 6 oocysts/g and 2 oocytes/g. Regarding the markets, the Mokolo market recorded a greater number of forms of parasite dissemination with 651 oocysts/g followed by the Mfoundi Markets with a total of 629 oocysts/g. The high content of parasitic elements was noted during the short rainy season (SRS) with a total of 838 oocysts/g and a low content of oocysts 442 oocysts/g during the long dry season (LDS). However, no significant association was found between the presence of oocysts and the type of food sold, sales markets, or season. This study highlights the importance of contamination by oocysts of vegetables sold in the markets of the city of Yaounde and health risk to customer if adequate precaution methods are not taken in to consideration.