Parasitological analysis of vegetables sold in supermarkets and fairs in the city of Araguaína, state of Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

The consumption of fresh vegetables has become more commonplace, thus, the occurrence of parasitic structures in these food causes several pathologies, between them, intestinal diseases, once helminths, protozoa and other pathogens may be present in these vegetables. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of parasites in vegetables sold in supermarkets and fairs of Araguaína-Tocantins. A total of 80 samples were collected and analyzed, 40 samples of curly lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and 40 samples of arugula (Eruca vesicaria). The analysis was performed at the food quality control laboratory of UNITPAC. There were found, Entamoeba coli cysts, Iodamoeba butschili, on lettuce, and larva and eggs of ancylostomids, also the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis present in both lettuce and arugula. In this perspective, the results expressed, demonstrate the need for more effective hygienic-sanitary measures, aiming at an improvement in the population's quality of life.