Protozoan and Helminth Contamination in Ecuadorian Agricultural Products: Dominance of Blastocystis sp

Luisa Carolina González-Ramírez ¹, Cristian Andrés Quito López ², Verónica Carolin Rojano Silva ²

⁰Grupo de Investigación "Análisis de Muestras Biológicas y Forenses", Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador.

Journal of Parasitology Research +

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April 14, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Parasitic contamination is high in Ecuadorian produce, especially leafy greens. Urgent food safety improvements are needed to protect children from foodborne diseases.

Area Of Science

Food Science
Public Health
Parasitology

Background

Foodborne parasitic infections represent a significant global health concern, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations like children.
Ensuring the safety of fresh produce is crucial for public health, particularly in regions with limited sanitation resources.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the prevalence and types of parasitic contamination in fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens in Ecuador's Chimborazo Province.
To identify specific produce items with higher contamination risks and prevalent parasite species.

Main Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 773 produce samples (fruits, vegetables, leafy greens) collected from Chimborazo Province, Ecuador.
Parasitic contamination was analyzed using standard laboratory techniques to identify protozoa and helminths.

Main Results

An overall parasitic contamination rate of 74.5% was detected across all produce types.
Leafy greens showed the highest contamination rate (86.5%), followed by vegetables (69.1%) and fruits (67.1%).
Protozoa were more prevalent (71.8%) than helminths (16.9%), with *Blastocystis* sp. being the most common parasite found across all produce categories.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of parasitic contamination in fresh produce highlights critical gaps in food safety and sanitation practices in the region.
Interventions focused on improving agricultural hygiene and food handling are essential to reduce the risk of foodborne parasitic diseases, particularly for children in rural communities.

Keywords:

Blastocystis sp. Ecuador contamination food-borne diseases fruits intestinal parasites leafy greens vegetables