Helminthic egg contamination in vegetables sold in markets: A report from Thailand

Sir,

Vegetables are an important food source for human beings. They provide fiber, vitamin and minerals. Contamination of food can result in health problems. A good example of food contamination is the outbreak of E. coli infection in Europe; it is believed to be due to ingestion of contaminated vegetables. Because vegetables have to be grown in the farm with use of fertilizer, contamination by microbes can be expected. Here, the author reports on assessment of helminthic egg contamination in vegetables sold in markets in Bangkok. The author collected 300 vegetables from 10 markets in Bangkok and used them for further microscopic examination. Each sample was brushed and washed under water, and the collected sedimented water was further examined under a light microscope. Of interest, the contamination of helminthic eggs was seen in 90 samples (30%). The detected species included Ascaris (50 samples, 16.7%), Enterobius (30 samples, 10%) and Trichuris spp (10 samples, 3.3%). Focusing on the result, similar high numbers were previously reported in vegetable samples collected in Hanoi. ^[1] The high rate of contamination indicates a risk of eating raw vegetables. To avoid food contamination, at least good washing should be performed. ^[2] However, the best way to avoid contamination is to avoid eating non-cooked vegetable.

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

DOI: 10.4103/1755-6783.102095