Human intestinal parasites on vegetables sold in supermarkets and retail markets in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.

• Main Author: Constance, Goh Suk Kim
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS) 2018
• Subjects: QR Microbiology; S Agriculture (General)
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/35100/1/CONSTANCE%20ft.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/35100/
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

One of the main ways in transmitting the intestinal parasites to humans are through consumption of raw vegetables such as salads. The aim of this study was to detect the occurrence of human intestinal parasites on leafy and root type vegetables in both supermarket and retail market in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. A total of 108 vegetables were collected randomly and examined for the prevalence of the parasites. It found that 22.2 %, 24 out of 108 vegetables samples were contaminated with different parasites. The intestinal parasites detected in vegetables were Cryptosporidium, Giardia, hookworm eggs and nematode larvae. Samples were washed in saline, sucrose floatation and centrifuged to concentrate the parasites. The sediments and supernatant were examined by Lugol's iodine staining and fluorescein isothioocyanate (FITC) conjugated anti Cryptosporidiuml Giardia monoclonal antibody staining and 4', 6- diamiidino-2- phenylindone (DAPI). In conclusion, vegetables might act as potential source of intestinal parasitic infections. This study emphasizes the need of proper washing of vegetables before consumption or cooked. The contribution of this study was to create public awareness to consumer about the parasitic contamination of vegetables.