The Prevalence of Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Vegetables in Tehran, Iran
Journal Title: Turkish Journal of Parasitology - Year 2020, Vol 44, Issue 3
Abstract
Objective: Parasitic diseases have created numerous health and economic problems in developing and developed countries. One of the most prevalent ways of transmitting diseases is by consuming raw vegetables that are contaminated with parasites. With respect to the importance of healthy vegetable consumption, an awareness of vegetable status helps prevent infection. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the level of parasitic contamination of vegetables consumed in Tehran. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on vegetable samples spread in Tehran from October 2017 to September 2018. The samples included 240 vegetables selected from 10 types of vegetable including leek, basil, mint, spring onion, radish, parsley, lettuce, cress, tarragon and coriander. Each sample was examined after passing through washing and centrifuging. Parasitic agents such as unicellular, egg and larva of the worms were studied. The data were analysed using SPSS software. Conclusion: Parasitic infection was observed in 62 samples (25.8%). The highest and lowest rates of contamination were observed in coriander and lettuce, respectively. Rhabditoid larva (12.5%; 15 cases) and Physaloptera egg (1.6%; 2 cases) were the most and least observed parasites, respectively. Other parasites such as Entamoeba, Giardia, Blastocystis, Hymenolepis, Ascaris and the egg and larva of hookworms were also observed. Despite the relative improvement of social, agricultural, economic and health conditions in Tehran, the prevalence of parasitic infections still persists. Factors such as developing modern waste collection methods, improving urban sewage systems, preventing domestic animal traffic on pastures and promoting the knowledge of different classes of people could reduce the prevalence of these types of diseases.
Authors and Affiliations
Mahdi Isazadeh, Iraj Mirzaii-Dizgah, Minoo Shaddel, Mohamad Mohsen Homayouni
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP688662
- DOI 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2020.6469
- Views 120
- Downloads 0
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analyses of Oestrus ovis Larvae Causing Human Naso-pharyngeal Myiasis Based on CO1 Barcode Sequences
Objective: The identification and molecular characterization of the bot fly larvae from an infected human with naso-pharyngeal myiasis in Turkey were aimed in this study. Methods: A total of 8 bot fly larvae from a 49-y...
Should be Remembered in the Differential Diagnosis of Klatskin Tumour: Alveolar Echinococcosis
Alveolar echinococcosis is an infectious disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis and it is frequently diagnosed as a space-occupying lesion in the liver. The growth pattern may be similar to that of a malignant tum...
Investigation of Intestinal Protozoon Prevalence in Immunocompromised Patients at a University Hospital
Objective: Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk of developing intestinal parasite infections. In this study, we examined the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encaphalitozoon intestinalis and other intesti...
The Production of Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense, Cause of African Sleeping Sickness, and Trypanosoma Cruzi, Cause of American Chagas Disease, on Different Medias and Testing a New Media
Objective: Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease in which Glossina is transmitted by human intervention and Trypanosoma b. rhodosiense and Trypanosoma b. gambiense are the...
Results of Radiological and Serological Screenings in Individuals Sharing the Same Living Area as Patients with Hydatid Cyst in Afghanistan’s State Hospital
Objective: To determine the results of radiological and serological screenings in individuals who shared the same living space as patients with hydatid cyst in a State Hospital of Afghanistan. Methods: Patients presenti...