| Abstrakt: |
Soil-transmitted helminths infections are major public health problems in developing countries that require fecal contamination of the environment for transmission. The consumption of raw vegetables without proper washing is one of the main routes of parasite transmission. Therefore, this study conducted to detect the kind and prevalence of soiltransmitted helminths contamination in commonly consumed fresh vegetables sold at several traditional markets in Surabaya. 100 fresh vegetable samples consisting of yardlong bean, cabbage, lettuce, and lemon basil were purchased from five traditional markets in Surabaya. Each sample was washed with tap water, water washing examined using flotation method to find soil-transmitted helminths. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths contamination was 41% (41/100). The most predominant parasite was hookworms (20%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (14%) and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (7%). The highest prevalence of contamination found in lettuce, with 56% prevalence (14/25), while the lowest prevalence of contamination found in yardlong bean with 24% prevalence (6/25). Sequentially, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths contamination of fresh vegetable samples from Pabean traditional market (55%), Keputran traditional market (50%), Wonokromo traditional market (50%), Lakarsantri traditional market (35%) and Mulyosari traditional market (15%), respectively. The present study demonstrated that consumption of vegetables with parasite contamination in this area represents a potential route for the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths infection. Therefore, it is necessary for health authorities to educate consumers about the proper washing of vegetables prior to consumption. Preventive methods such as wearing gloves and washing hands after handling vegetables should advocated to sellers who are at risk of acquiring soil-transmitted helminths infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
