Parasitological contamination of vegetables from gardens in Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

A total of 81 samples each of AmarantussppandLactuca sativa were randomly' collected from vegetable gardens in Jimeta metropolis, Adamawa, Nigeria, to determine.the level, of parasitological contamination. Vegetable, were washed and concentration of the parasites was done by centrifugal floatation technique. Thirty three (40.7%) of Amarantus spp. and fifty two (64.2%) of Lactuca sativa were-positive with one or more intestinal parasite. Parasites detected were: Schistosomamansoni(A7/%), Ascarislumbricoides('30.Q%), Strongyloidessiercpralis(§.Q), Hookworm (7.7%), Schistosomahaematobium(.9%),Diphylobotriumlatum(0.9) and Entamoeba coli (0.9).Prevelance of parasite varied significantly with vegetable type (P<0.05).The role of fresh vegetables in the transmission of intestinal parasites has been emphasized by this study. The need to treat municipal wastewater before it can be used for irrigation is paramount.