Helminth Contamination of Commonly Consumed Raw Vegetables in Sivas Province in the Central Part of Turkey: First Molecular Detection of Human Pathogenic Toxocara canis Eggs in Raw Vegetables
Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, cilt.49, sa.1, ss.6-12, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 49 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2023
- Doi Numarası: 10.5152/actavet.2022.22045
- Dergi Adı: Acta Veterinaria Eurasia
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.6-12
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Raw vegetables are the source of vitamins, minerals,
proteins, and fibers that protect the human body against diseases. On the other
hand, these may become sources of parasitic pathogens, which affect human
health. This study aimed to assess the presence of helminth species in raw
vegetables consumed in Sivas with microscopic and molecular techniques. The
study material consisted of 120 vegetable samples (lettuce, parsley,
peppermint, rockets, cress, and carrots) obtained from greengrocers, supermarkets,
street vendors, and wholesalers. Toxocara
spp. eggs, T. leonina eggs, and
Rhabditiform larvae were detected in vegetable samples with a prevalence of
5.83%, 3.33%, and 24.17%, respectively. Toxocara
spp. eggs were identified as T. canis using
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This is the first
molecular detection of T. canis eggs
in raw vegetables in Turkey. This study revealed that vegetables sold in Sivas
are contaminated with helminth eggs or larvae. Therefore, people should take
the necessary hygiene precaution, such as washing or sanitizing, before
consuming these vegetables.