Bacteriological and parasitological assessment of vegetables collected from markets in Mbouda, West Cameroon

Abstract

Implication of the consumption of vegetables in the resurgence of water-borne diseases is less explored in Cameroon. This study aimed at exploring the microbiological quality of vegetables consumed in Mbouda, which is one initial step within quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). A total of 75 vegetable samples comprising different types (celery, parsley, leek, green cabbage, red cabbage, African eggplant, tomato, cucumber, and carrots) collected from markets in Mbouda were analysed bacteriologically and parasitologically. Bacteriological analysis was carried out by plating the samples on selective media after serial dilutions had been performed. The search for parasitic elements was done using the sedimentation technique on samples, followed by microscopy. Four parasitic elements or stages, which included Cysts of Entamoeba spp., Nematode larvae, eggs of Ascaris spp. and Ankylostoma spp., were detected in these vegetables, with prevalences of 17%, 16%, 12% and 8% respectively. Bacterial contamination was high with six bacteria species isolated (Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, fecal coliform, Shigella spp., fecal streptococci, and Vibrio spp). These bacteria had loads exceeding the WHO standard (103 cfu/g), with Shigella spp. 108 to 109, Salmonella spp. 102 to 105, fecal coliforms 104 to 105, and E. coli 102 to 104 times higher. It is likely that these pathogens resulted from unsanitary conditions of the production and sale of these vegetables. One of the major risks linked to the poor quality of these vegetables is the resurgence of water-borne diseases in Mbouda. It is therefore urgent to sensitize the population on the health risks linked to the contamination of the vegetables sold in Mbouda.