Parasitic Flora of Megaphrynium Macrostachyum Leaves sold in Popular Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Megaphrynium macrostachyum is a perennial leafy vegetable, up to 4m tall, with rhizome up to 6m long, stems bearing an inflorescence and a single subtending leaf and numerous leaves arising directly from the rhizome. The importance of this plant cannot be over emphasized as it leaves are used for different activities in Africa which includes cooking, wrapping, packing, thatching, and serving food to mention but a few. The leaves of M macrostachyum are used primarily for cooking, wrapping, packaging, and serving food in several African countries including Nigeria. In recent years, food-borne illnesses caused by intestinal parasites have been identified as a major source of public health threats. This study was designed to determine the parasitic flora of M macrostachyum leaves sold in popular markets in Benin City, Edo state. A total of 335 samples collected from six selected markets in Benin City; the leaves were washed in physiological saline and examined microscopically using saline and iodine preparations. Our results showed M macrostachyum is not a potential means for the transmission of intestinal parasites contrary to previous studies. However, proper hygiene and sanitation is advocated for to minimize risks illnesses due to food-borne parasites.

Keywords: Intestinal; Parasite; Contamination; Transmission; Infection