Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infections and Their Associated Factors among Food Handlers Working in Selected Catering Establishments from Bule Hora, Ethiopia

Intestinal parasites are responsible for one of the major health problems like food contamination with socioeconomic effects in the world with a prevalence rate of 30-60%, in developing countries that lie within tropical and subtropical areas. They pose a reasonable public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, around 3.5 billion people are affected and more than 200,000 deaths are reported annually. Around 50000 deaths yearly are caused by intestinal parasites in Ethiopia. As such, intestinal parasites perceived global and local burdens to various countries. The risk of food contamination depends largely on the health status of the food handlers, their hygiene, knowledge, and practice of food hygiene. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene and sanitation conditions are the major potential sources of intestinal helminthes and protozoa worldwide. The proposed study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated factors among food handlers working in selected catering establishments. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bule Hora Town from March to April 2020. A total of 136 catering establishments were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 46.3%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most predominant parasite (33.3%, i.e., 21/63) while Giardia lamblia was the least (11.1%, i.e., 7/63). Consumption of vended or borehole water and hygienic practices such as hand washing before eating, after using toilet, before cooking and trimming of finger nail and wearing proper working clothes and shoes were statistically significant with intestinal parasitic infection ( P < 0.05 ). Generally, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in this study was high and contributed by low socioeconomic status and poor environmental and personal hygiene. Measures including education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, drinking water supply, regular medical checkups, and treatment should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites.

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Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Its Associated Factors among Food Handlers in Ginnir Town, Bale Zone, Southeast, Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.2.23709/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Asfaw Negero ◽

Tomas Benti ◽

Solomon Taye

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Hand Washing ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the developing world. Globally, out of the 1.5 billion annual cases of diarrhea, about 70% or 1.05 billion cases are thought to be caused by biological contamination of food. In Ethiopia, due to poor environmental sanitation, low awareness about personal hygiene, lack of pure potable water, and improper faecal disposal, intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers working in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town, southeast, Ethiopia.Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed from May 1 to May 29, 2014 in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town. A total of 348 food handlers were enrolled and stool specimens were collected, and examined using direct saline and formol-ether concentration methods. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. A P-value <0.05 was considered as an indicator of statistical significance.Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers was 48/348 (13.8%) [95%, CI=6.8-20.6]. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 23/348 (6.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia 16/348 (4.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 7/348 (2.0%) and Strongyloides stercolaris 2/348 (0.6%) were the detected parasites. Moreover, amongst positives for intestinal parasites, comparable proportions of parasites were detected in males (52%) and females (48%). Habit of eating raw/under cooked vegetables (p=0.00; aOR=2.60; 95%, CI=1.94-8.67), hand washing habit before eating (p=0.03; aOR=1.22; 95%, CI=1.01-3.89), hand washing habit after visiting toilet (p=0.01; aOR=2.85; 95%, CI=2.06-8.31), hand washing habit before food preparation (p=0.02; aOR=1.85; 95%, CI=1.27-4.34) and poor personal hygiene (p=0.00; aOR=3.39; 95%, CI=1.51-10.23) were factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers was relatively low. Though the prevalence was low; regular medical check-up, training and health education on safe food handling and processing should be given to all food handlers.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Food Handlers in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/6669734 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Solomon Yeshanew ◽

Melaku Tadege ◽

Abdulhakim Abamecha

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasite ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Southwest Ethiopia ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Study Participants

Food handlers are important sources of intestinal parasitic infection to the public and mass catering service areas. Several reports worldwide particularly in developing countries showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among these groups of individuals. In an attempt to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, a cross-sectional study was carried out among food handlers in food establishment areas of Mettu town, Southwest Ethiopia. To collect sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants, a structured questionnaire and physical observation were employed. Stool specimens collected from each food handlers participated in the study were then examined using light microscopy of the wet mount followed by formol-ether concentration methods to see infection status. A total of 139 food handlers were enrolled in the study. Majority of them were females 89 (64%), and 124 (89.2%) of them had not taken any training related to food handling and preparation. Sixty-two (44.6%) of the study participants were diagnosed with one or more intestinal parasites. The chi-square test showed that intestinal parasite infection was found associated with personal hygiene ( p ≤ 0.0001), nail trimming status ( p ≤ 0.0001), and hair cover status ( p ≤ 0.040). The multivariable logistic regression indicated that the risk to be infected with intestinal parasites were related with older age ( p ≤ 0.032), food handlers who had no hand wash practices ( p ≤ 0.033), who had no food handling and preparation training ( p ≤ 0.005), poor personal hygiene ( p ≤ 0.0001), who had not taken regular medical checkup ( p ≤ 0.008), and whose nail was not trimmed ( p ≤ 0.0001). The most abundant intestinal parasite identified was G. lamblia (24, 26.7%) followed by E. histolytica/dispar (22, 24.4%), and A. lumbricoides (15, 16.7%). Twenty-eight (45.2%) study individuals were also found with mixed infections. The study thus revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among apparently healthy food handlers in food establishments of the study area. Mass drug administration for all food handlers working in food establishment areas of the town coupled with health education and training should be initiated urgently.

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Food Handlers at Prison, East and West Gojjam, Ethiopia

Advances in Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/2101089 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Azmeraw Asires ◽

Moges Wubie ◽

Alemayehu Reta

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

West Gojjam ◽

East And West ◽

Study Participants

Introduction. One of the top ten major public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia is the intestinal parasitic infection. Most of the time, intestinal parasitic infections do not show clinical signs and symptoms and also have a number of potential carriers, such as food handlers, which makes it too difficult to eradicate and control. Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers at prison, East and West Gojjam, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at East and West Gojjam prison. A total of 416 study participants, with a response rate of 82.7%, were included in the study for both stool exam and questioner. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the sample was collected and examined based on the standard parasitological procedure. Epi data Version 3.1 was used to enter data, and SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the present study was 61.9%. The most prevalent parasite was A. lumbricoides (157 (45.6%)). Protozoan infection was higher than helminth infection. Multiple intestinal infections were identified; among study participants, 34.6% had double infection. The most significant associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections were fingernail status, residence, information about food contamination related to intestinal parasitic infection, income, and handwashing before having contact with food and after toilet with water only. Conclusions. A high proportion of intestinal parasitic infection was detected among food handlers working at East and West Gojjam prison. Training must be given to the food handlers on personal hygienic conditions (finger trimming, handwashing after toilet and before having contact with food with water and soap, etc.).

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PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN BELOW 12 YEARS OF AGE IN KAMRUP METRO, ASSAM.

10.36106/ijar/7100787 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 18-20

Author(s):

Manish Bordoloi ◽

Runumi Chowdhury ◽

Dipa Barkataki

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Learning Ability ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Sociocultural Factors ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Microbiological Methods ◽

Slum Areas

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections constitute global health problems in various developing countries. They are endemic especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Hot and humid climate, environmental and sociocultural factors enhance parasitic transmission. Children are the prime victims of intestinal parasitism that affects their physical development, school attendance and learning ability. OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infection among the school going children between 5-12 years of age in certain slum areas of Guwahati city of Kamrup Metro district of Assam. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study carried out between June, 2017 to May, 2018 at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital in the Department of Microbiology. Study group consisted of 170 school going children below 12 years of age. Stool samples collected aseptically were examined macroscopically and microscopically using standard Microbiological methods for presence of Intestinal parasites. RESULTS: Out of 170 school going children, 116 (68.2%) were found positive for Intestinal parasitic infestations. The most predominant Intestinal helminthes were Ascaris lumbricoides (66.4%) follwed by Trichuris trichiura (29.3%), hookworms (5.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.9%) and Isospora belli (22.4%). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that the prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infection among school going children below 12 years of age in the slum areas of Assam is very high. Hence, it is utmost necessary to pay more attention to improve the sanitation, personal hygiene and implementation of health education of the parents for prevention of these parasitic infections.

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Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Its Associated Factors among Food Handlers in Ginnir Town, Bale Zone, Southeast, Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.2.23709/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Solomon Taye ◽

Asfaw Negero ◽

Tomas Benti

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

P Value ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the developing world. Globally, out of the 1.5 billion annual cases of diarrhea, about 70% or 1.05 billion cases are thought to be caused by biological contamination of food. In Ethiopia, due to poor environmental sanitation, low awareness about personal hygiene, lack of pure potable water, and improper faecal disposal, intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers working in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town, southeast, Ethiopia.Method: Cross-sectional study design was employed from May 1 to May 29, 2014 in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town. A total of 348 food handlers were selected using simple random sampling method. Stool specimens were collected and examined using direct saline and formol-ether concentration methods. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. A P-value <0.05 was considered as an indicator of statistical significance.Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers was 48/348(13.8%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 23/348(6.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia 16/348(4.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 7/348(2.0%) and Strongyloides stercolaris 2/348(0.6%) were the most prevalent parasites. Moreover, comparable proportions of parasites were detected in males (52%) and females (48%). Habit of eating raw/under cooked vegetables (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=2.94-8.67) and poor personal hygiene (AOR=3.39, 95% CI=1.51-10.23) were factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers is relatively low. Though the prevalence rate is low; regular medical check-up, training and health education on safe food handling and processing should be given for all food handlers.

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Intestinal parasite infections and associated factors among inmates of Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-019-4703-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gemechu Ameya ◽

Zerihun Zerdo ◽

Mihret Tesfaye ◽

Chimdo Jabesa ◽

Abayneh Awaje ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the parasitic infections affecting people living in prison. Helminths and intestinal protozoan infections are the most common parasitic infection that may cause serious life-threatening diseases in inmates living in developing countries. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates living in Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data of socio-demographic characteristics, hygiene status of the prisoners, sanitation condition of the prison, and associated factors for IPIs by face to face interview. Direct wet-mount examination and formol-ether sedimentation techniques were used to examine intestinal parasitic infection from stool specimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between different variables and the IPI. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence association and strength of the associated factors. Result A total of 320 prisoners were participated in this study. Of these, 154(48.1%) of them were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Eight different intestinal parasites species were identified and Giardia lamblia was the predominant parasite. Among infected inmates, nearly one out of four of them had multiple parasitic infections dominated by Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar co-infection. Sleeping in group [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: (1.0–3.8)], married prisoners [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: (1.1–2.9)], and hand washing habits after handling soil [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.0–5.6)] were independently associated with IPI. Conclusion High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected in Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Absence of hand washing, marital status, and way of sleeping were the factors associated with the IPI. Implementation of mass drug administration, education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and periodic screening of intestinal parasitic infection is very important to reduce the high prevalence IPIs in prison.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Street Children in Jimma Town; South West Ethiopia in 2019: A Cross Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.2.15526/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sabit Zenu Siraj ◽

Eshetu Alemayehu ◽

Kifle Woldemichael

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Street Children ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Jimma Town

Abstract Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019.Methods: Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model. Result: A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR=2.03;95%CI (1.02-4.06), eating street food AOR=2.24;95% CI (1.04-5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.24-5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR= 3.8;95% CI (1.8-8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR= 2.5; 95% CI (1.25- 5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Factors like untrimmed finger nails, swimming practice, eating street foods, shoe wearing and lacking knowledge of ways of transmission of intestinal parasitic infections are associated with infection status. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Street Children in Jimma Town in 2019: A Cross Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.2.15526/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sabit Zenu Siraj ◽

Eshetu Alemayehu ◽

Kifle Woldemichael

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Street Children ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Jimma Town

Abstract Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections . The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019. Methods and Materials: Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model. Result: A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR=2.03;95%CI (1.02-4.06), eating street food AOR=2.24;95% CI (1.04-5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.24-5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR= 3.8;95% CI (1.8-8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR= 2.5; 95% CI (1.25- 5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Factors like untrimmed finger nails, swimming practice, eating street foods, shoe wearing and lacking knowledge of ways of transmission of intestinal parasitic infections are associated with infection status. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors. Key words : Street children, Intestinal parasites, Jimma

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Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street dwellers and prison inmates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0255641

Author(s):

Daniel Getacher Feleke ◽

Yonas Alemu ◽

Habtye Bisetegn ◽

Melat Mekonnen ◽

Nebiyou Yemanebrhane

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Prison Inmates ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Study Participants ◽

Street Dwellers

Background Intestinal parasitic infections are closely associated with low household income, poor personal and environmental sanitation, and overcrowding, limited access to clean water, tropical climate and low altitude. Street dwellers and prisoners are forced to live in deprived situations characterized by inadequate facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among street dwellers and prison inmates. Method Study searches were carried out in Electronic data bases such as PubMed/Medline, HINARI, EMBASE, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. Studies published only in English and have high quality Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores were included for analysis using Stata version 14 software. Random-effects meta-analysis model was used for analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane’s Q test and I2 test statistics with its corresponding p-values. Moreover, subgroup, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were computed. Result Seventeen eligible studies consist of 4,544 study participants were included. Majority of the study participants were males (83.5%) and the mean age of the study participants was 25.7 years old. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street dwellers and prison inmates was 43.68% (95% CI 30.56, 56.79). Sub-group analysis showed that the overall pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among prison inmates and street dwellers was 30.12% (95%CI: 19.61, 40.62) and 68.39% (95%CI: 57.30, 79.49), respectively. There was statistically significant association between untrimmed fingernail and intestinal parasitic infections (AOR: 1.09 (95%CI: 0.53, 2.23). Conclusion In this study, the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street dwellers and prison inmates was relatively high. Fingernail status had statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infection. The prevention and control strategy of intestinal parasitic infection should also target socially deprived segment of the population such as street dwellers and prison inmates.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Food Handlers in Northwest Iran

Journal of Parasitology Research ◽

10.1155/2016/8461965 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Davoud Balarak ◽

Mohammad Jafari Modrek ◽

Edris Bazrafshan ◽

Hossein Ansari ◽

Ferdos Kord Mostafapour

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Parasitic Diseases ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Health Card ◽

Significant Difference ◽

To Receive ◽

The City

Parasitic diseases are among the most important infectious diseases and pose health problems in many countries, most especially in developing countries. Workers at food centers could transmit parasitic infections in the absence of sanitation. This is a descriptive study conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food clerks in the city of Tabriz in 2014. Data was recorded in the offices of the health center for all food handlers who were referred to the laboratory for demographic and stool tests to receive the health card. Parasitic infection was observed in 172 cases (3.73%) of 4612 samples. A total of 156 positive samples (90.69%) were related to protozoa and 16 (9.3%) were related to helminthes. Most of the parasitic infections were related toGiardiaandEntamoeba coliand the lowest infection was related toH. nana. Also, there was a significant relationship between level of education and parasitic infection rate (P=0.0044). But there was no significant difference between the type of infection and amount of intestinal parasites. The results show that the prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially pathogenic protozoa, is common in some food handlers. Therefore, more sanitary controls are required and increasing of education will play a crucial role in improving the health of these people.

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