PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG FOOD HANDLERS OF SARI, NORTHERN IRAN

Parasitic infection is highly prevalent throughout the developing countries of the world. Food handlers are a potential source of infection for many intestinal parasites and other enteropathogenic infections as well. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite carriers among food handlers attending the public health center laboratory in Sari, Northern Iran for annual check-up. The study was performed from August 2011 through February 2012. Stool samples were collected from 1041 male and female food handlers of different jobs aged between 18 to 63 years and were examined following standard procedures. Sociodemographic, environmental and behavioral data analysis of the food handlers were recorded in a separate questionnaire. Intestinal parasites were found in 161 (15.5%) of the studied samples. Seven species of protozoan or helminth infections were detected. Most of the participants were infected with Giardia lamblia (53.9%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (18%), Entamoeba coli (15.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.5%), Cryptosporidium sp. (3.1%), Iodamoeba butschlii (3.1%) and Hymenolepis nana (1.9%) as the only helminth infection. The findings emphasized that food handlers with different pathogenic organisms may predispose consumers to significant health risks. Routine screening and treatment of food handlers is a proper tool in preventing food-borne infections.

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Intestinal Parasites And Associated Factors Among Food Handlers In Mizan-Aman Town, Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.2.22433/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wasihun Adraro ◽

Girma Mamo ◽

Aklilu Mamo ◽

Mesenbet Muluken ◽

Samuel Sahile ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Southwest Ethiopia ◽

Food Borne ◽

Food And Drink ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background: - Food borne diseases are a challenge for both developed and developing countries and are a leading cause of illnesses and deaths in developing countries. Regardless of concentrative hard work for several years, food borne diseases has remained a major global public health issue with substantial morbidity and mortality associated with the consumption of contaminated food staffs. Parasitic infection is among the major disease especially in developing countries and sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. Objective: -This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among food handlers working in food and drink establishments at Mizan Aman town southwest Ethiopia. Method:- A community based cross sectional study design was employed. Four hundred eighteen study participants were randomly selected from a total of 209 foods and drinks establishment in Mizan Aman Town, Bench Maji Zone, and Southwest Ethiopia. Epidata version 3.1 used for data entry while SPSS version 21 used for analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis carried out ; predictor variables at 95 % CI using p –value ≤0.05 were declared as statistically significant. Result: Among 399 participants, 203(50.9%) were female and 194(49.1%) were male. Almost half 194 (48.6 %) of the participants age was below 20 years . The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study subjects was 26.1% ; from this Ascaris lumbricoides 7.3% and Teniasis species 5% were the predominant parasites identified from the stool of study participants. Conclusion: The study identified high prevalence of intestinal parasites among study participants who worked for less than one year duration , wear hand jewelry, not practice hand washing routinely, not wearing hair net, food preparation during sickness and use the same equipment for raw and cooked food serving. Training about safe food handling and other hygienic practices should be encouraged for better personal and community health status. On the other hand, all concerned should pay attention to safe guard consumers’ health. Key terms: - Intestinal parasites, Food handlers, Food and drink establishment

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A cross-sectional analysis of intestinal parasitic infections among the general population in north of Iran

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.9512 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (02) ◽

pp. 120-126

Author(s):

Abdol Sattar Pagheh ◽

Mahdi Sharif ◽

Ahmad Daryani ◽

Jamshid Yazdani-Charati ◽

Eisa Nazar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Health Concern ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Blastocystis Hominis ◽

Northern Iran ◽

North Of Iran

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) is one of the most important health problems in the developing countries. Study on the prevalence of IPIs in various communities is a prerequisite for the development of appropriate control strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among the general population in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Methodology: This study was conducted on 4,788 specimens collected from 17 urban areas (2,515 samples) and 34 rural areas (2,273 samples) within January-December 2016. Fecal specimens were examined by direct wet mounting, formalin-ether concentration, modified Ziehl–Neelsen, and trichrome staining methods. Results: The overall infection rate of intestinal parasite was 14.2% (680/ 4,788). Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia were identified as the most frequent parasites. Protozoa, helminths, and polyparasitism (co-infections with two or more parasite species) were observed in 12.3%, 1.03%, and 0.85% of the specimens, respectively. Furthermore, IPIs showed a significant association with household income, place of residence, washing of vegetables, exposure to soil and season (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the findings, parasitic infections are still a major public health concern in the north of Iran that requires special attention. Therefore, the major key to success in the prevention of IPIs is the execution of some interventions, including patient screening and treatment, public education, and improvement of sanitary conditions.

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What are Hidden Facts behind Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Ilam City?

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871526518666180508125418 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 284-287

Author(s):

S. Viesy ◽

J. Abdi ◽

Z. Rezaei

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Public Health Education ◽

Health Problems ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Blastocystis Hominis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Number Of Patients

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the one of the most common health problems in developing countries. Objective: A number of patients die annually due to complications caused by these parasites.Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the rate and type of parasitic infections, determine the factors affecting them in Ilam city and also provide strategies to prevent them.In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in one of the Ilam labs in 2016, 417 stool specimens were randomly collected. All specimens were examined using direct and ethanol formaldehyde.Suspect specimens were examined using Trichrom staining. Demographic information was also recorded in a questionnaire, and finally the results were analyzed using statistical software SPSS 20.The data were then compared with Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 417 patients examined, 59 (14.1%) were infected with intestinal parasites. The type of parasitic infection in 9.4% was Blastocystis hominis, 3.6% Entamoeba coli, 0.5% Entamoeba histolytica, 0.5% Giardia and 0.2% Trichomonas hominis. Conclusion: Despite the improvement of public health, parasitic infections are still considered as one of the health problems in the city of Ilam. Therefore, proper planning, public health education, raising the level of health in the area and the provision of safe drinking water are some of the ways to reduce parasitic infections in the region.

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PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG FOOD HANDLERS IN WESTERN IRAN

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652014000200004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 56 (2) ◽

pp. 111-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Farnaz Kheirandish ◽

Mohammad Javad Tarahi ◽

Behrouz Ezatpour

Keyword(s):

Fast Food ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Chi Square ◽

Western Iran ◽

Health Card ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

And Gender

Parasitic infection is one of the problems that affect human health, especially in developing countries. In this study, all of the fast food shops, restaurants, and roast meat outlets of Khorramabad (Western Iran) and all the staff employed by them, some 210 people, were selected through a census and their stools were examined for the presence of parasites. The parasitological tests of direct wet-mount, Lugol's iodine staining, formaldehyde-ether sedimentation and Trichrome staining techniques were performed on the samples. The data was analyzed with a chi-square test and logistic regression was selected as the analytical model. The results showed 19 (9%) stool specimens were positive for different intestinal parasites. These intestinal parasites included Giardia lamblia2.9%, Entamoeba coli 4.3%, Blastocystis sp. 1.4%, and Hymenolepis nana 0.5%. There was a significant difference between the presence of a valid health card, awareness of transmission of intestinal parasites, participation in training courses in environmental health with intestinal parasites (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the rate of literacy and gender among patients infected with intestinal parasites (p > 0.05). To control parasitic infection in food handlers, several strategies are recommended such as stool examinations every three months, public education, application of health regulations, controlling the validity of health cards and training on parasitic infection transmission. In this regard, the findings of the present study can be used as a basis to develop preventive programs targeting food handlers because the spread of disease via them is a common problem worldwide.

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Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Food Handlers Working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1155/2020/9321348 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Kemal Ahmed Kuti ◽

Rameto Aman Nur ◽

Geroma Morka Donka ◽

Amene Abebe Kerbo ◽

Adem Esmael Roba

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Free Food ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Inadequate Knowledge

Background. Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health problems globally. It is more common in developing countries including Ethiopia. So, adequate evidence is needed regarding the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. This study was aimed at determining the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 May to 10 June 2017 among 198 symptom-free food handlers. Data on sociodemographic variables were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected immediately after the interview using labeled wide-mouthed plastic container and clean wooden applicator. Direct wet-mount method and formal-ether concentration techniques were performed to identify intestinal parasites. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics and crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. p value of <0.05 was considered to declaration level of significance. Result. The response rate was 98% (198/202). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3% (50/198). The top three intestinal parasites found in this study were Ascaris lumbricoides 7.6% (15/198), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 7.6% (15/198), and hookworm 5.6% (11/198). Inadequate handwashing practice (AOR: 13.876; 95% CI: 4.129, 46.632), inadequate knowledge about foodborne diseases (AOR: 3.596; 95% CI: 1.438, 8.989), lack of training on proper food handling (AOR: 5.960; 95% CI: 1.450, 24.497), and untrimmed fingernail (AOR: 2.939; 95% CI: 1.368, 6.135) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusion. High prevalence of intestinal parasites was observed among symptom-free food handlers who could be unobservable source of disease transmission. Inadequate handwashing, untrimmed fingernail, inadequate knowledge, and lack of training were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in this study. This implies the need for timely and adequate training and enforcement of regular medical checkup system for food handlers.

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An outbreak of viral gastroenteritis associated with consumption of sandwiches: implications for the control of transmission by food handlers

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268898001150 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 121 (3) ◽

pp. 615-621 ◽

Cited By ~ 107

Author(s):

U. D. PARASHAR ◽

L. DOW ◽

R. L. FANKHAUSER ◽

C. D. HUMPHREY ◽

J. MILLER ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Handler ◽

Common Source ◽

Viral Gastroenteritis ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Food Borne ◽

Pcr Product ◽

Stool Specimens ◽

Polymerase Chain

Although food handlers are often implicated as the source of infection in outbreaks of food-borne viral gastroenteritis, little is known about the timing of infectivity in relation to illness. We investigated a gastroenteritis outbreak among employees of a manufacturing company and found an association (RR=14·1, 95% CI=2·0–97·3) between disease and eating sandwiches prepared by 6 food handlers, 1 of whom reported gastroenteritis which had subsided 4 days earlier. Norwalk-like viruses were detected by electron microscopy or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in stool specimens from several company employees, the sick food handler whose specimen was obtained 10 days after resolution of illness, and an asymptomatic food handler. All RT-PCR product sequences were identical, suggesting a common source of infection. These data support observations from recent volunteer studies that current recommendations to exclude food handlers from work for 48–72 h after recovery from illness may not always prevent transmission of Norwalk-like viruses because virus can be shed up to 10 days after illness or while exhibiting no symptoms.

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Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Mental Retardation Center of Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran

Iranian Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.18502/ijpa.v14i2.1145 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Vahedeh MOHAMMADI-MESKIN ◽

Yaghoob HAMEDI ◽

Mehrgan HEYDARI-HENGAMI ◽

Ebrahim EFTEKHAR ◽

Jebreil SHAMSEDDIN ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Agar Plate ◽

Mentally Retarded ◽

Living Environment ◽

High Rate ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Blastocystis Hominis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Bandar Abbas

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among mentally retarded individuals and the staff of the center in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in central institution for mentally retarded in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, from 2016 to 2017. A triple fecal specimen was collected from each one of the 163 participants and were evaluated using wet mount and formalin-ethyl acetate methods. Trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were used to confirm suspected cases of protozoa. As well as Baermann and Harada-Mori techniques and agar plate culture were implemented to diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. Results: Overall, 163 subjects were examined including 126 mentally retarded individuals and 37 personnel. Ninety (55.2%) cases of participants were infected with at least one of the intestinal parasites, 69 (54.7%) of mentally retarded and 21 (56.7%) of personnel. Twenty-six mentally retarded individuals were infected with S. stercoralis (20.6%), Blastocystis hominis 30.2%, Entamoeba coli 25.4%, Giardia lamblia 5.6%, Enterobius vermicularis 1.6%, Hymenolepis nana 0.8% and Iodamoeba butschlii 1.6%. Twelve staff (32.4%) harbored B. hominis, E. coli 27%, S. stercoralis 2.7%, G. lamblia 10.8%, H. nana 2.7% and Endolimax nana 2.7%. Conclusion: High rate of intestinal parasites particularly, S. stercoralis compared to the most recent studies of general population. Therefore, regular screening and tracking the positive cases, disinfection of the living environment, training and financing of the staff, increasing the number of the workers, recruiting of professionals and trained personnel in these centers are suggested.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Salmonella typhi among Food Handlers Working in Catering Establishments of Public Institutes Found in Dawuro Zone, South-Western Ethiopia

Journal of Parasitology Research ◽

10.1155/2021/8889302 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Abera Kumalo ◽

Eyasu Gambura ◽

Terfe Dodicho ◽

Khawaja Shakeel Ahmed ◽

Tamrat Balcha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Salmonella Typhi ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Widal Test ◽

Tissue Paper ◽

Western Ethiopia

Background. Food borne disease, which is the result of ingestion of foodstuffs contaminated with microorganisms, parasites, or chemicals, encompasses a wide spectrum of illness and public health problem worldwide. Ethiopia is placed on second, third, and fourth position due to the highest burden of ascariasis, hookworm, and trichuriasis, respectively, in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study is aimed at determining the prevalence of Salmonella typhi and intestinal parasites among food handlers working in catering establishments of public institutes found in Dawuro Zone, South-Western Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study is conducted among food handlers working in catering establishments of public institutions found in Dawuro Zone from March to July 2019. The data was collected by using pretested structured questionnaires. Stool and blood samples were taken from each participant for parasitic examinations concurrently using direct and modified formol ether concentration wet smear techniques and Widal test by slide test and tube serial dilution technique, respectively. The data entered into Epi info version 3.5.1 and then exported into SPSS window version 20.0 for analysis. Logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between binary outcomes and different explanatory variables. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result. The study included 402 (293 females and 109 males) food handlers. Of 402 stool specimens, 20.4% were found to be positive for different parasite species, comprising protozoa (35.9%) and helminths (64.1%). A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite (8.0%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (4.23%). Twenty-six (6.5%) of food handlers were positive for Widal test. Ages ≥ 40 years (AOR: 0.436; 95% CI: 0.203, 0.937), attending no education (AOR: 2.142; 95% CI: 1.048, 4.378), not washing hands after using latrine (AOR: 4.355; 95% CI: 1.771, 10.708), not covering mouth with tissue paper (AOR: 0.530; 95% CI: 0.312, 0.899), no medical checkup (in the last four months) (AOR: 0.278; 95% CI: 0.116, 0.667), and untrimmed fingernails (AOR: 0.382; 95% CI: 0.229, 0.635) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic or Salmonella typhi infections. Conclusion. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) and Salmonella among food handlers in the present study is relatively high compared to other different studies conducted in developed and developing countries. Therefore, biannually screening of food handlers for intestinal parasites (IPs) and periodic deworming of infected cases along with provision of food safety measures focusing on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are recommended to control the parasitic infection in food handlers.

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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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Bacterial Contamination of Food Handlers in X Hospital Palembang

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/20186801006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 ◽

pp. 01006

Author(s):

Sri Utari ◽

Irsan Saleh ◽

Hermansyah ◽

Rindit Pambayun

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

World Health ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pathogenic Organism ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Standard Procedures ◽

Contaminated Food ◽

Health Organization

The food handlers in Hospital with the bad personal hygiene could be a potential source of infection of a pathogenic organism. The responsibility of hospital food handlers is greater compared with the common food handlers such as in restaurants, etc. This is because they should provide the healthy food to the patients in Hospital who might have low immunity, and the contaminated food could have very dangerous consequences. This study aimed to investigate the potential contamination of food handlers in X hospital, Palembang. The study was carried out by a cross-sectional method on food handlers’. There were 30 respondents examined in this study. The bacterial examination was conducted by following the standard procedures of World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that there were 11 (36.7%) from 30respondents positively contaminated by Escherichia coliand there all respondent contaminated in samples were women. There was no worker contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus. The study proved that in X hospital of Palembang, there were some food handlers contaminated by Escherichia coli.

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