Finding of Rhabditis sp. in lettuce Lactuca sativa commercialized in Anápolis, GO, Brazil

Abstract

The consumption of fresh vegetables is recommended as part of a healthy diet because of their considerable vitamin, mineral and dietary fiber content. Vegetables are frequently fertilized with manure or irrigated with water contaminated with fecal matter. We assessed the occurrence of enteroparasites in vegetable consumers, in relation to the presence of parasites in conventional and hydroponic lettuce sold in the city of Anápolis, GO. The method of spontaneous sedimentation was used. Larvae of nematodes of the genus Rhabditis were found. In this genus, there are free-living species that eventually may become parasites of man and domestic animals. Given this evidence, improved food hygiene is recommended, for both domestic consumers and the handlers of vegetables to be served in restaurants and cafeterias. This is the first report of Rhabditis in vegetables in Brazil.