Prevalence of intestinal parasites in selected vegetables at major public markets in Metro Manila, Philippines

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites infesting the vegetable foodstuffs and determine the parasitological profile of the vegetable foodstuffs examined. Methods: About 200 randomly sampled vegetable foodstuffs obtained from the vendors of the Balintawak and Divisoria public markets were examined for the occurrence of intestinal parasites. Results:A total of 119 (59.5%) vegetable foodstuffs examined were tested positive. The most common parasite found was the Ascaris lumbricoides. No significant differences between the prevalence of intestinal parasites at the two public markets were found (P > 0.05). Conclusion:The vegetables can be a potential source of parasitic infection.