Abstract
Parasitic infections pose significant threats to human and animal health, particularly in developing countries, where they contribute to socio-economic challenges. This study investigated the prevalence of parasites on vegetables cultivated and sold in farms and markets in Zaria metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 105 vegetable samples were analyzed using simple sedimentation and saturated salt flotation techniques with a zinc sulfate sucrose medium (specific gravity: 1.21). Overall, 22.9% of the samples were contaminated with parasites. The detected parasites included nematode larvae (8.6%), Strongyloides spp. (1.0%), Strongyle eggs (5.7%), Spirocerca lupi (1.9%), Heterakis spp. (1.0%), Aspicularis tetraptera (1.9%), Entamoeba spp. (1.0%), Coccidia spp. (2.9%), Balantidium spp. (1.0%), and Fasciola spp. (1.0%). Contamination rates were highest in cucumber (Cucumis sativus, 28.6%) and carrot (Daucus carota, 28.6%) samples, followed by cabbage (Brassica oleracea, 21.2%), onion (Allium cepa, 20.0%), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa, 17.6%). A significant association was observed between parasite contamination and the two local government areas in Zaria (χ² = 5.379, p = 0.020). Public health concerns were underscored by the presence of nematode larvae suggestive of Strongyloides stercoralis, a helminth capable of reproducing in the environment and secreting larvae in feces. These findings emphasize the need for improved agricultural practices, such as composting human and animal waste before use as manure. Thorough washing of vegetables is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of parasitic infections.