Punsawad C, Phasuk N, Thongtup K, Nagavirochana S, Viriyavejakul P, 2019. Prevalence of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. BMC Public Health 19: 34.
Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004. Fruit and Vegetables for Health: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Workshop, 1–3 September 2004, Kobe, Japan. Available at: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/97aa1cd2-dbac-46b6-8d57-36759b859ad7/content. Accessed March 14, 2024.
Abougrain AK, Nahaisi MH, Madi NS, Saied MM, Ghenghesh KS, 2010. Parasitological contamination in salad vegetables in Tripoli-Libya. Food Control 21: 760–762.
Al-Megrin WA, 2010. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in leafy vegetables in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Int J Trop Med 5: 20–23.
Bekele F, Shumbej T, 2019. Fruit and vegetable contamination with medically important helminths and protozoans in Tarcha town, Dawuro zone, South West Ethiopia.Res Rep Trop Med 10: 19–23.
Eraky MA, Rashed SM, Nasr Mel S, El-Hamshary AM, Salah El-Ghannam A, 2014. Parasitic contamination of commonly consumed fresh leafy vegetables in benha, Egypt. J Parasitol Res 2014: 613960.
Luz JGG, Barbosa MV, de Carvalho AG, Resende SD, Dias JVL, Martins HR, 2017. Contamination by intestinal parasites in vegetables marketed in an area of Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil.Rev Nutr 30: 127–136.
Rostami A, Ebrahimi M, Mehravar S, Fallah Omrani V, Fallahi S, Behniafar H, 2016. Contamination of commonly consumed raw vegetables with soil transmitted helminth eggs in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Int J Food Microbiol 225: 54–58.
Sia Su G, Mariano C, Matti N, Ramos G, 2012. Assessing parasitic infestation of vegetables in selected markets in Metro Manila, Philippines. Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2: 51–54.
Okyay P, Ertug S, Gultekin B, Onen O, Beser E, 2004. Intestinal parasites prevalence and related factors in school children, a western city sample – Turkey. BMC Public Health 4: 64.
Bekele F, Tefera T, Biresaw G, Yohannes T, 2017. Parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and fruits collected from selected local markets in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.Infect Dis Poverty 6: 19.
Gordon CA, Kurscheid J, Jones MK, Gray DJ, McManus DP, 2017. Soil-transmitted helminths in tropical Australia and Asia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2: 56.
Laoraksawong P, Sanpool O, Rodpai R, Thanchomnang T, Kanarkard W, Maleewong W, Kraiklang R, Intapan PM, 2018. Current high prevalences of Strongyloides stercoralis and Opisthorchis viverrini infections in rural communities in northeast Thailand and associated risk factors. BMC Public Health 18: 940.
Wattanawong O, Iamsirithaworn S, Kophachon T, Nak-Ai W, Wisetmora A, Wongsaroj T, Dekumyoy P, Nithikathkul C, Suwannatrai AT, Sripa B, 2021. Current status of helminthiases in Thailand: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey. Acta Trop 223: 106082.
Wongsaroj T, Nithikathkul C, Rojkitikul W, Nakai W, Royal L, Rammasut P, 2014. Brief communication (original). National survey of helminthiasis in Thailand. Asian Biomed 8: 779–783.
Beaver PC, Jung RC, Cupp EW, 1984. Clinical Parasitology. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.
Stenzel DJ, Boreham PF, 1996. Blastocystis hominis revisited. Clin Microbiol Rev 9: 563–584.
Boonjaraspinyo S, Boonmars T, Kaewsamut B, Ekobol N, Laummaunwai P, Aukkanimart R, Wonkchalee N, Juasook A, Sriraj P, 2013. A cross-sectional study on intestinal parasitic infections in rural communities, northeast Thailand. Korean J Parasitol 51: 727–734.
Boonjaraspinyo S et al., 2022. Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections: A population-based study in Phra Lap Sub-District, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province, Northeastern Thailand. TropicalMed 8: 22.
Tram NT, Dalsgaard A, 2014. Water used to moisten vegetables is a source of Escherichia coli and protozoan parasite contamination at markets in Hanoi, Vietnam. J Water Health 12: 896–900.
Division of Planning and Budgeting, Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organizations, 2016. Provincial Economy: 3. Agriculture. Available at: https://kkpao.go.th/E-PlanData/?mod=index&file=datacat5-3. Accessed March 14, 2024.
Wayne WD, 1995. Biostatistics: A Foundation of Analysis in the Health Science, 6th ed. John Wiley&Sons, Inc., 180.
Bureau of Food and Water Sanitation, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, 2008. Ministerial Regulations on Market Hygiene. Available at: https://foodsan.anamai.moph.go.th/th/healthy-market/204496. Accessed March 14, 2024.
Uga S, Hoa NT, Noda S, Moji K, Cong L, Aoki Y, Rai SK, Fujimaki Y, 2009. Parasite egg contamination of vegetables from a suburban market in Hanoi, Vietnam. Nepal Med Coll J 11: 75–78.
Mohamed MA, Siddig EE, Elaagip AH, Edris AM, Nasr AA, 2016. Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables sold at central markets in Khartoum state, Sudan. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 15: 17.
Jongkolnee N, Songthamwat D, 2015. Detection of parasitic contamination in vegetables from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. J Med Tech Assoc Thailand 43: 5142–5150.
Niamnuy N, Subkeaw R, Aksornniam N, Nimnagorn W, Saibuadaeng P, Panasophonkul C, Paojinda P, 2022. Parasitic contamination of vegetables from open markets and supermarkets in Thonburi District, Bangkok. J Health Sci 31: 5–13.
Tantiamornkul K, Mataradchakul T, 2019. Detecting insecticide contamination and determining prevalence of protozoa in fresh vegetables from fresh markets, Maung Phayao, Phayao Province. J Public Health 49: 118–129.
Falcone AC, Zonta ML, Unzaga JM, Navone GT, 2023. Agricultural practices and intestinal parasites: A study of socio-environmental risk factors associated with leafy vegetable production in La Plata horticultural area, Argentina. Parasite Epidemiol Control 23: 1–10.
Duedu KO, Yarnie EA, Tetteh-Quarcoo PB, Attah SK, Donkor ES, Ayeh-Kumi PF, 2014. A comparative survey of the prevalence of human parasites found in fresh vegetables sold in supermarkets and open-aired markets in Accra, Ghana. BMC Res Notes 7: 836.
Fallah AA, Pirali-Kheirabadi K, Shirvani F, Saei-Dehkordi SS, 2012. Prevalence of parasitic contamination in vegetables used for raw consumption in Shahrekord, Iran: Influence of season and washing procedure. Food Control 25: 617–620.
Avcioğlu H, Soykan E, Tarakci U, 2011. Control of helminth contamination of raw vegetables by washing. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 11: 189–191.
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Although fresh vegetables are a vital source of essential nutrients and dietary fiber, they can pose a significant health risk due to contamination by intestinal parasites (IPs). The consumption of contaminated vegetables can lead to intestinal parasitic infection, which is a major public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where sanitation, clean water, and agricultural practices are often inadequate. Northeast Thailand, with its warm, humid climate and predominant agricultural sector, exhibits a high prevalence of IPs in humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic contamination in vegetables in Khon Kaen, Thailand, because of its reported high prevalence of IPs. A total of 300 samples, including cilantro, celery, Thai basil, lettuce, cucumber, Chinese kale, white cabbage, Chinese cabbage, peppermint, and yard-long beans, were collected from 10 markets across five districts in the province. Each sample was washed with 1% normal saline, shaken for 15 minutes, and allowed to sediment. The sediment was then centrifuged and examined by parasitologists under a microscope. The overall prevalence of IPs was found to be 36.0%, with Blastocystis hominis (24.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (13.0%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (8.7%) being the most common. Peppermint showed the highest prevalence rate at 70.0%, followed by celery and Thai basil at 53.3% each. These results suggest a necessity for key health policy interventions, including appropriate health education. Sanitary measures, such as washing vegetables before consumption and washing hands after harvesting vegetables, should be encouraged among farmers, sellers, and consumers.
Financial support: Khon Kaen University’s Research on Synthetic Pyrethroid Pesticides and Intestinal Parasite Monitoring in Vegetables in Khon Kaen has received funding support from the
Current contact information: Worawan Poochada, Kodchakorn Uengchuen, Rittirong Junggoth, Tongpak Donprajum, and Pokkamol Laoraksawong, Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, E-mails: worapooc@kku.ac.th, kodcue@kku.ac.th, rittirong@kku.ac.th, tongdo@kku.ac.th, and pokkla@kku.ac.th. Sakda Seesophon, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, E-mail: sakdase@kku.ac.th. Oranuch Sanpool, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, E-mail: oransa@kku.ac.th.
Punsawad C, Phasuk N, Thongtup K, Nagavirochana S, Viriyavejakul P, 2019. Prevalence of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. BMC Public Health 19: 34.
Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004. Fruit and Vegetables for Health: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Workshop, 1–3 September 2004, Kobe, Japan. Available at: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/97aa1cd2-dbac-46b6-8d57-36759b859ad7/content. Accessed March 14, 2024.
Abougrain AK, Nahaisi MH, Madi NS, Saied MM, Ghenghesh KS, 2010. Parasitological contamination in salad vegetables in Tripoli-Libya. Food Control 21: 760–762.
Al-Megrin WA, 2010. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in leafy vegetables in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Int J Trop Med 5: 20–23.
Bekele F, Shumbej T, 2019. Fruit and vegetable contamination with medically important helminths and protozoans in Tarcha town, Dawuro zone, South West Ethiopia.Res Rep Trop Med 10: 19–23.
Eraky MA, Rashed SM, Nasr Mel S, El-Hamshary AM, Salah El-Ghannam A, 2014. Parasitic contamination of commonly consumed fresh leafy vegetables in benha, Egypt. J Parasitol Res 2014: 613960.
Luz JGG, Barbosa MV, de Carvalho AG, Resende SD, Dias JVL, Martins HR, 2017. Contamination by intestinal parasites in vegetables marketed in an area of Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil.Rev Nutr 30: 127–136.
Rostami A, Ebrahimi M, Mehravar S, Fallah Omrani V, Fallahi S, Behniafar H, 2016. Contamination of commonly consumed raw vegetables with soil transmitted helminth eggs in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Int J Food Microbiol 225: 54–58.
Sia Su G, Mariano C, Matti N, Ramos G, 2012. Assessing parasitic infestation of vegetables in selected markets in Metro Manila, Philippines. Asian Pac J Trop Dis 2: 51–54.
Okyay P, Ertug S, Gultekin B, Onen O, Beser E, 2004. Intestinal parasites prevalence and related factors in school children, a western city sample – Turkey. BMC Public Health 4: 64.
Bekele F, Tefera T, Biresaw G, Yohannes T, 2017. Parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and fruits collected from selected local markets in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.Infect Dis Poverty 6: 19.
Gordon CA, Kurscheid J, Jones MK, Gray DJ, McManus DP, 2017. Soil-transmitted helminths in tropical Australia and Asia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2: 56.
Laoraksawong P, Sanpool O, Rodpai R, Thanchomnang T, Kanarkard W, Maleewong W, Kraiklang R, Intapan PM, 2018. Current high prevalences of Strongyloides stercoralis and Opisthorchis viverrini infections in rural communities in northeast Thailand and associated risk factors. BMC Public Health 18: 940.
Wattanawong O, Iamsirithaworn S, Kophachon T, Nak-Ai W, Wisetmora A, Wongsaroj T, Dekumyoy P, Nithikathkul C, Suwannatrai AT, Sripa B, 2021. Current status of helminthiases in Thailand: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey. Acta Trop 223: 106082.
Wongsaroj T, Nithikathkul C, Rojkitikul W, Nakai W, Royal L, Rammasut P, 2014. Brief communication (original). National survey of helminthiasis in Thailand. Asian Biomed 8: 779–783.
Beaver PC, Jung RC, Cupp EW, 1984. Clinical Parasitology. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.
Stenzel DJ, Boreham PF, 1996. Blastocystis hominis revisited. Clin Microbiol Rev 9: 563–584.
Boonjaraspinyo S, Boonmars T, Kaewsamut B, Ekobol N, Laummaunwai P, Aukkanimart R, Wonkchalee N, Juasook A, Sriraj P, 2013. A cross-sectional study on intestinal parasitic infections in rural communities, northeast Thailand. Korean J Parasitol 51: 727–734.
Boonjaraspinyo S et al., 2022. Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections: A population-based study in Phra Lap Sub-District, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province, Northeastern Thailand. TropicalMed 8: 22.
Tram NT, Dalsgaard A, 2014. Water used to moisten vegetables is a source of Escherichia coli and protozoan parasite contamination at markets in Hanoi, Vietnam. J Water Health 12: 896–900.
Division of Planning and Budgeting, Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organizations, 2016. Provincial Economy: 3. Agriculture. Available at: https://kkpao.go.th/E-PlanData/?mod=index&file=datacat5-3. Accessed March 14, 2024.
Wayne WD, 1995. Biostatistics: A Foundation of Analysis in the Health Science, 6th ed. John Wiley&Sons, Inc., 180.
Bureau of Food and Water Sanitation, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, 2008. Ministerial Regulations on Market Hygiene. Available at: https://foodsan.anamai.moph.go.th/th/healthy-market/204496. Accessed March 14, 2024.
Uga S, Hoa NT, Noda S, Moji K, Cong L, Aoki Y, Rai SK, Fujimaki Y, 2009. Parasite egg contamination of vegetables from a suburban market in Hanoi, Vietnam. Nepal Med Coll J 11: 75–78.
Mohamed MA, Siddig EE, Elaagip AH, Edris AM, Nasr AA, 2016. Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables sold at central markets in Khartoum state, Sudan. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 15: 17.
Jongkolnee N, Songthamwat D, 2015. Detection of parasitic contamination in vegetables from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. J Med Tech Assoc Thailand 43: 5142–5150.
Niamnuy N, Subkeaw R, Aksornniam N, Nimnagorn W, Saibuadaeng P, Panasophonkul C, Paojinda P, 2022. Parasitic contamination of vegetables from open markets and supermarkets in Thonburi District, Bangkok. J Health Sci 31: 5–13.
Tantiamornkul K, Mataradchakul T, 2019. Detecting insecticide contamination and determining prevalence of protozoa in fresh vegetables from fresh markets, Maung Phayao, Phayao Province. J Public Health 49: 118–129.
Falcone AC, Zonta ML, Unzaga JM, Navone GT, 2023. Agricultural practices and intestinal parasites: A study of socio-environmental risk factors associated with leafy vegetable production in La Plata horticultural area, Argentina. Parasite Epidemiol Control 23: 1–10.
Duedu KO, Yarnie EA, Tetteh-Quarcoo PB, Attah SK, Donkor ES, Ayeh-Kumi PF, 2014. A comparative survey of the prevalence of human parasites found in fresh vegetables sold in supermarkets and open-aired markets in Accra, Ghana. BMC Res Notes 7: 836.
Fallah AA, Pirali-Kheirabadi K, Shirvani F, Saei-Dehkordi SS, 2012. Prevalence of parasitic contamination in vegetables used for raw consumption in Shahrekord, Iran: Influence of season and washing procedure. Food Control 25: 617–620.
Avcioğlu H, Soykan E, Tarakci U, 2011. Control of helminth contamination of raw vegetables by washing. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 11: 189–191.
Past two years | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
---|---|---|---|
Abstract Views | 92246 | 92246 | 51052 |
Full Text Views | 143 | 143 | 33 |
PDF Downloads | 109 | 109 | 2 |