Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in foods of plant origin in North-Western Greece.

GiardiaandCryptosporidiumare recognized as leading causes of waterborne and foodborne diarrhoeal disease with worldwide distribution. The study aimed to determine the protozoan contamination of various foods of plant origin. A total of 72 samples from 27 different varieties of fresh vegetables and fruits were collected from supermarkets and open markets in North-Western Greece and were examined using conventional diagnostic methods. Two out of 72 (2.8%) samples were found positive forCryptosporidiumoocysts, while no sample was found to be positive forGiardiacysts. The results show the presence of protozoan contamination in foods of plant origin, which may constitute a potential health hazard.