UP scientists warn against parasites in raw vegetables, seafood

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) — Scientists from the University of the Philippines (UP) urged the public to wash and cook their fresh produce and seafood properly as a preventative strategy against parasites.

The UP Diliman College of Science's Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB) discovered Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in vegetables and oysters they examined from Central Luzon local markets. These included mung bean sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower.

Researchers Cielo Emar Paraoan, Ren Mark Villanueva, and Marie Christine Obusan found that T. gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, was present in six out of 60 vegetable samples, or 10% of the total.

For oysters, they observed that 9.09% or four out of 44 samples were contaminated.

The experts said T. gondii is one of the most contagious parasites in the world—affecting almost one-third of the population, particularly the vulnerable like the immunocompromised and pregnant.

While majority of those infected show no symptoms at all, some may experience flu-like symptoms like fever, headaches, and muscle pains. However, in extreme situations, toxoplasmosis might result in brain inflammation and blurred vision, according to UP scientists.

«Fortunately, treatments are available for toxoplasmosis, hence symptomatic individuals are advised to seek timely medical attention,» they said.

Although the study only examined a limited sample size, it provides evidence that vegetables and oysters sold in public markets and supermarkets have the potential to spread T. gondii.

«The most sustainable approach for reducing the risk of T. gondii exposure through the consumption of seafood should focus on reducing T. gondii contamination at its source, as well as mitigating the flow of contaminated runoff to water bodies,» the authors said in their paper, published in the October 2023 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science.

The scientists said they are currently conducting research that finds the parasite in environmental samples.