Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables and fruits sold in open-air markets in peri-urban districts of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban districts of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban districts of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Result Of the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot ( Daucus carota ) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper ( Capsicum sp .) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado ( Persea americana ) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana ( Musa acuminata ) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis , Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp, Toxocara spp and Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant ( p  = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p < 0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion The study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.