DETERMINACIÓN DE PARÁSITOS EN LECHUGAS EXPENDIDAS EN SUPERMERCADOS DE PORTOVIEJO

Abstract

Introduction: Parasitic infections by food are a serious problem that affects public health worldwide. The main form of contamination of these vegetables occurs through water contaminated by fecal material of human or animal origin, used in the irrigation of orchards. Objective: To determine the presence of parasites in lettuce sold in supermarkets in Portoviejo. Methodology: An observational, descriptive and prospective study was carried out, using the spontaneous sedimentation technique, 52 lettuces (Creole, Roman and crepe) obtained from 5 supermarket chains in the city of Portoviejo during the period January to June 2021 were processed. Results: 17.7% of the samples showed contamination by parasites. The presence was higher in curly lettuce (58.3%), followed by Creole (25%) and Roman was the least contaminated (16.7). The identified parasites were Chilomastix mesnili (13.46%), Eimeria sp. and Balantioides coli (3.85%), Entamoeba coli and Blastocystis sp (1.92%). In addition, Yeasts were found (5.77%). There were no significant differences between the presence of parasitic forms and the type of lettuce or in the place of commercialization. Conclusion: A low percentage of parasites was found in the lettuces studied, the curly variety being the highest percentage, which indicates, despite being products marketed in private establishments, contamination was found in them, which is important to carry out activities of promotion for the correct use of food before consuming it