Occurrence of helminth eggs on vegetables sold in the city of Apucarana (PR)

Abstract

The vegetable diseases transmitted represents a major public health problem, because it is estimated that millions of people worldwide are affected by parasites. This study aimed to quantify and identify the rate of contamination by helminth eggs on vegetables like watercress and endive marketed in four major supermarkets of Apucarana (PR). Were analyzed 128 sample of vegetables being: 64 of chicory and 64 of watercress, which were trimmer, weighed and washed in a tryptose lauryl sulfate 1% solution. There was a high rate of contamination in both varieties studied, with higher prevalence of chicory. Were found eggs of Ancylostoma sp., Ascaris sp. Diphilobotrium sp. Dipylidium sp. Hymenolepis sp. Taenia sp. and Enterobius sp. Considering these results, we stress the urgent need for official oversight and regulation by the competent local authorities in order to improve the hygienic quality of vegetables offered to the population, and minimize the rates of parasitic infections in adults and children (the most affected).