title: A survey of pathogens associated with Cyperus esculentus L (tiger nuts) tubers sold in a Ghanaian city.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cyperus esculentus L, is a minor but important crop in Ghana. They are noted mostly by their aphrodisiac properties among others. The nuts are often eaten raw as an unprocessed snack due to its rich flavour and texture. Though eaten raw, the nuts are sometimes handled unhygienically, posing a public health threat. This study therefore aimed at determining the level and distribution of parasitic and bacterial contaminants associated with the crop as it is sold.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four types of intestinal parasites were identified, and the most prevalent was Cryptosporidium parvum (30.0%). Nuts contaminated with parasites were found only among street vendors. Bacteriological examination showed three different groups of bacterial isolates with the most prevalent being coliforms (54.2%). Unlike parasites, bacteria isolates were found among samples from both street vendors and market places. Multiple drug resistance was displayed by Proteus vulgaris.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Buying and eating nuts as well as other fruits taken raw from street vendors and market places could pose a significant public health threat. There is a need for efficient monitoring systems for food borne pathogens in Ghana.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana. payehkumi@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Patrick F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Ayeh-Kumi
authors.forename: Patience B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Tetteh-Quarcoo
authors.forename: Kwabena O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Duedu
authors.forename: Akua S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Obeng
authors.forename: Kantanka
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Addo-Osafo
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mortu
authors.forename: Richard H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Asmah
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000302:isolation & purification; D029786:Cyperus / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D005506:Food Contamination; D005869:Ghana; D010270:Parasite Egg Count