Enteropathogenic Bacterial and Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Asymptomatic Food Handlers in Rangsit University Canteens, Central Thailand

Abstract

Food handlers play an important role in the transmission of foodborne diseases. 108 asymptomatic food handlers work in RSU canteens and have never been checked for intestinal bacteria and parasites, which might be a potential source of infection for customers. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of enteropathogenic bacterial and intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Rangsit University canteens, central Thailand. A total of 79 food handlers were enrolled, and each provided one stool sample (response rate of 73.2%). Females comprised 93.7% of study participants, and the largest age group was 41–50 years (34.2%). The prevalence of enteropathogenic bacteria in stool cultures was 2.5%, and only Aeromonas spp. were detected. The pathogenic protozoa Giardia duodenalis was detected in 1.3% of samples, and nonpathogenic protozoa was found in 11.4%. No helminths were found in any samples. Approximately 80% of food handlers demonstrated good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing after visiting the toilet, regular hand washing when preparing food, using soap when washing hands, wearing uniforms/gowns, practicing correct hand washing techniques, and having short fingernails. However, the results showed a lack of personal hygiene training and routine medical care (>50% of samples). Stronger intervention would help to eliminate future infections.

Bacterial foodborne illness and Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain infection among asymptomatic food handlers in Northeast Ethiopia: Implication for hygienic practices and mass‐screening

“…The rate of bacterial fecal carriage was 102 (26.7%), greater than the reports in Gondar (13.2%), 22 Jimma (6.9%), 23 and Thailand (2.5%). 24 Moreover, the prevalence of food The majority of bacteria found in the fecal samples was E. coli (18.5%) which is consistent with a study in Gondar that found E. coli to be prevalent. 25 However, a study reported in Jimma indicated that Salmonella species (40%) was predominant.…”

“…Among asymptomatic food handlers, the rate of bacterial carriage in feces and hands were 102 (26.7%), and 214 (55.7%), respectively. The rate of bacterial fecal carriage was 102 (26.7%), greater than the reports in Gondar (13.2%), 22 Jimma (6.9%), 23 and Thailand (2.5%) 24 . Moreover, the prevalence of food‐borne pathogens among food handlers in the prison setting was 72.6% (77/106; from hand swab) and 34.9% (37/106; from fecal samples).…”

“…The rate of bacterial fecal carriage was 102 (26.7%), greater than the reports in Gondar (13.2%), 22 Jimma (6.9%), 23 and Thailand (2.5%). 24 Moreover, the prevalence of food‐borne pathogens among food handlers in the prison setting was 72.6% (77/106; from hand swab) and 34.9% (37/106; from fecal samples). This finding may indicates that the prisoners are at risk and more vulnerable compared to the general population for acquisition of food‐borne illness due to limited washing facilities, inadequate and clean water supplies which results poor personal hygiene, and overcrowding nature of the prisoners living in one prison houses/cells in Ethiopia.…”

Detection of Giardia duodenalis Zoonotic Assemblages AI and BIV in Pet Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicanus) in Bangkok, Thailand

“…In Thailand, giardiasis has been reported in humans [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ] and in many animals, including dogs [ 19 , 20 ], cats [ 21 ] and long-tailed macaques [ 22 ]. However, information on the prevalence of Giardia infection in captive prairie dogs in Thailand is still limited.…”