Date of Publication

8-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Mary Jane C. Flores

Defense Panel Chair

Bridget C. Arellano

Defense Panel Member

Frumencio F. Co
Aimee Caye G. Chang

Abstract (English)

The consumption of fresh vegetables is central to ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Vegetables contain affluent nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, phytochemicals, immunomodulators, and antioxidants which prevent a number of diseases and morbidities. However, there is growing evidence that vegetables can act as vectors for medically important microorganisms. Contamination with various parasites can occur during cultivation, transportation, storage, in public markets, or during food preparation at home. Common contaminants include soil-transmitted helminths (STH) such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and several protozoan parasites such as Cyclospora sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Accidental ingestion of vegetables contaminated with infective stages of parasites can lead to serious health risks. Currently, billions of people worldwide are burdened by parasitic infections. In Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines is one of the significant hotspots for these infections. Hence, this study investigated the parasitic contamination in commonly consumed leafy vegetables sold in local markets in Metro Manila. In the study, 500 vegetable samples including lettuce (Lactuca sativa), pechay (Brassica rapa), mustard (Brassica juncea), water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), and spring onions (Allium fistulosum) were examined for parasitic contamination using concentration-sedimentation technique. Moreover, 250 vegetable vendors and retailers were also assessed for their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) on foodborne parasitic infections by means of survey questionnaires. In the study, parasitic contamination had an overall prevalence of 42.8% (214/500). The local markets with the highest contamination were Divisoria, Manila and Balintawak, Quezon City (pL. sativa at 56.0% (56/100), while B. rapa had the lowest rate at 29.0% (29/100). All types of leafy vegetables were found to be contaminated with at least one or more kinds of parasites (p>0.05). Ascaris sp. is the most prevalent STH detected among the samples. Protozoan parasites such as Cyclospora sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. were also detected among the contaminated vegetable samples. Most vegetable vendors demonstrated adequate knowledge of foodborne parasitic infections and showed good attitudes toward hygiene, food handling, and sanitation. Despite some good practices, such as wearing PPE and conducting sanitary measures, vendors should consistently undergo stool examinations and medical history assessments to ensure effective prevention of parasitic infections. Findings of this study highlight the importance of ongoing research and monitoring of parasitic contamination in local markets. It is also important for policymakers and public health programs to take note of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of parasitic contamination in these local markets in Metro Manila. Given the high rates of contamination observed in all markets examined, there is a clear need for concerted efforts towards eliminating this public health threat.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

n/a

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Helminths; Edible green; Vegetable trade; Foodborne diseases

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Embargo Period

8-14-2026

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