Role of Contaminated Fruits in the Transmission of Intestinal Parasites in Khartoum Central Market-Khartoum State

Abstract

This study was conducted at Khartoum central market, in Khartoum state-Sudan to detect the parasitic contamination of fruits. Microscopic examination of the samples was carried outafter washing the fruits by formal saline and then examining the sediment after centrifugation using wet preparation. A total of 233 samples of fruits were collected randomly, types of fruits included (apple, banana, mango, orange, grape and guava),during the period fromDecember2016 to April 2017.Among the 233 samples,43 (18.5%) samples were positive for intestinal parasites. Among positive samples, banana and apple were found to have the highest parasitic prevalence. Banana positive samples were 13 (5.6%),apple positive samples were 10 (4.3%), guava positive samples were 7 (3%), grape positive samples were 6 (2.6%), orange positive samples were 2 (0.9%),and mango positive samples were 5 (2.1%).The parasites identified were Arthropod,S.stercoralis, E.coli,E.histolytica,Taeniaspp,Ascaris,Schistosoma,H.diminutaand Hookworms.The results showed that Arthropods were the most prevalent as they were detected in 11 samples, followed by S.stercoralis which was detected in 8 samples, whereas E.coliwas detected in 7 samples, and E.histolyticawasdetected in 6 samples, Taenia spp and Ascarisboth were seen in 3 positive samples,Schistosoma spp and H.diminuta both were detected in 2 samples,Hookwormswere only detected in one sample. In conclusion, fruits play an important role in transmission of parasitic diseases to human in Khartoum. So, increasing consumer awareness about the risks factors associated with consumption of raw fruits is very important. Education on food hygiene should be strengthened to change unhealthy dietary habits and ensure safe daily food consumption.