Intensity of Contamination of Vegetables in different Markets in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State

A total of one hundred and sixty (160) vegetable samples where collected in Jos South Local Government, from two different markets (Building material and Vom market) between May to June 2013 for analysis. These vegetable samples include cabbage, carrot, garden egg, lettuce, and spinach. They were screened using normal saline sedimentation technique. Cysts, ova and larvae of intestinal protozoa, Cestodes and nematode were recovered. 88 (55.0%) of the sample were positive for different species of parasites. Strongyloides stercoralis 38.63% had the highest occurrence follow Entameoba coli, with 34 (38.63%), 29 (32.9%) were observed for Hookworm, Hymenolepis nana had the least with 5 (5.68%). Cabbage with 27.00% had the highest parasitic load, spinach was found to have the least multiple parasites contamination of sixteen (16%). The results from this work shows an indication that animal parasites can be acquired through the consumption of these vegetables, especially when not properly and hygienically prepared before taken to market.