DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2018.v06i10.002

Pages: 634-638

Plant products usually eaten raw such as fruits and vegetables are known to play a role in transmission of fatal parasitic infections. In Nigeria, Cyperus esculentus is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal value, including perceived aphrodisiac properties; but the sub-hygienic attitudes over its handling, preparation and consumption have aroused public health concern. This study aimed at determining parasitic contamination of tiger nuts as sold in the city of Calabar. 800 grams of dry and fresh tiger nuts purchased from four popular markets in the city were washed and subjected to parasitological analysis and examination using Formal ether sedimentation technique. Data were analysed using the SPSS. The Chi-square (χ2) statistics was used to determine association between parasite contamination and market source; and nut washing frequency. Parasitic organisms isolated were Ascaris lumbricoides (ova), 34%; Trichuris trichiura (ova), 9%; Strongyloides stercoralis (larva), 9%; and Entamoeba histolytica (cyst), 25%. Parasite eggs were the highest occurring parasitic forms (54%), followed by cyst (25%) and larva (21%). Nuts obtained from Ikot Ishie and Watt markets were the most contaminated (27.3% for each). Parasite prevalence had no association with market location (χ2 = 11.467; P-Value = 0.489). Fresh nuts were more contaminated (54.5%). This was statistically significant (χ2 = 8.000; P-Value = 0.238). Parasites were recovered most during the first wash of both dry and fresh nuts, with dry nuts yielding more parasites at first wash (70%); however, there was no association between parasite recovery and washing frequency (χ2 = 2.000; P-Value = 0.157). This study has identified contamination of tiger nuts sold in Calabar with parasites of public health importance. With increasing demand for tiger nut and its products, mass health education and monitoring on agricultural practices would help prevent imminent food-borne epidemics in our communities.