Parasitological Assessment of Lettuce Quality in the Maxixe City Markets, Mozambique

Introduction: The consumption of lettuce provides several benefits, such as high source of dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. However, despite these benefits, it can be a vehicle for the transmission of parasitic diseases, taking into account that its consumption is done in a raw way. Thus, this study aimed to assess the parasitological quality of lettuce that is sold in the markets of Maxixe city in Inhambane Province, the southern of Mozambique. Materials and Methods: In June and July 2018, 50 samples of lettuce were purchased in three markets from Maxixe city. The samples were placed in plastic bags, correctly identified and transported to the Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Pedagogical University of Mozambique, where the parasites' eggs and larvae were investigated, using the method of Hoffmann and Pons-Janer. The statistical analysis of data was performed by using SPSS program, version 24. Results and Discussion: From 50 samples of lettuce analyzed, 35 of them were positive that corresponds to 70% of the contaminated samples, with the remaining 15 (30%) being negative, with significant differences (X2, P=0.002). The highest contamination rate was found in the Tsuhula market, with 100% of the contaminated samples, followed by Dumbanengue market with 64.7% and finally the Xicadjuanine market with 43.75% of contaminated samples. The parasites found in the lettuce samples were Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica cysts, Strongyloid stereoralis larvae and Hepatic Fasciola Conclusion: Expressive contamination rates of lettuce sold in the three markets were obtained, with the need to adopt proper hygiene practices before its consumption, in addition to the need to strengthen the health surveillance system.