Intestinal protozoan parasites on fruits sold in jalingo markets of Taraba State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic diseases have remained endemic in rural communities of developing countries with significant economic and public health consequences. The study determined the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites infestation of fruits, in Jalingo markets of Taraba State, Nigeria. Five (5) different types of fruits from five markets were sampled. A total of four hundred and fifty samples (450) were examined using sedimentation method. The results showed 19.8% prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites in fruits with Ananas comosus (44.0%) the most infested among fruits while Psidium guajava (2.0%) had the least infestation of protozoan parasites. Entamoeba histolytica (36.0%) was the most common protozoan parasite implicated on fruits from the various markets; Bera-Koffai market (24.7%) had highest infestation of intestinal protozoan parasites on fruits while Sabon-gari (16.9%) market had the lowest infestation, with no significant difference between the infestation of protozoan parasites on fruits among the markets (χ²=7.848, p>0.05). The results showed that fruits sold in Jalingo markets harbor intestinal protozoan parasites and there is the need for proper cleaning and handling of fruits by growers, sellers and buyers.