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Microscopy‐Detected Enteric Parasite‐Compatible Stages and Arthropod Contaminants in Ready‐to‐Eat Salads in Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Parasitic stages can exist in ready‐to‐eat salads. This cross‐sectional study was aimed at examining the ready‐to‐eat salad samples from 10 commercial salad areas of Sylhet City Corporation, Sylhet city between October 2025 and April 2026. A total of 100 samples were obtained from street food vendors, mid‐range restaurants and fine dining restaurants. Diagnosis was made on direct wet mount method, examination of iodine‐stained cells and modified formalin‐ether sedimentation, respectively. Overall, 26 samples (26.0%; 95% CI: 17.7%–35.7%) contained at least one classifiable finding. Enteric parasite compatible stages were found in 14 (14.0%) samples, which include five Balantioides coli cysts, three E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii ‐complex, one Giardia sp. cyst, one trematode egg, and one Ascaris sp. stage. No cases of nonenteric arthropod contamination (mites) were detected in any of the 13 samples (13%; 95% CI: 7.1%–21.2%) recorded separately. The results indicated that RTE salads can have microscopic contaminants, though they did not document the viability or pathogenicity or the risk of infection. A detailed morphological identification and adequate number of fine‐dining subgroups should be taken into consideration for further investigation.

Source: Journal of Parasitology Research

DOI: 10.1155/japr/8294177

Authors: Umama Lubna, S. M. Sertaz Islam, Bijoy Banik, Kazi Mehetazul Islam, Saiful Islam

Institution: Sylhet Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000