Food borne diseases are a global public health burden. Food handlers play a major role in the transmission of foodborne diseases. This study was aimed at investigating the presence of intestinal parasites, S. typhi carrier rate and associated risk factors among food handlers in a metropolitan city.
MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 food handlers working in different food service establishments. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on age, sex, years of service, previous deworming, status of typhoid immunization and hand washing practices. Stool samples were processed for intestinal parasites and S. typhi, as per the standard laboratory methods.
RESULTSIn the present study, majority of the food handlers were males 185/200 (92.5%), 90/200 (45%) were aged between 30-50 years, and 72/200 (36%) had less than one year experience. Intestinal parasites were detected in 31/200 (15.5%) and S. typhi in 2 (1%). Of the 31 parasites, 11 (35.5%) were seen by direct saline technique and additional 20 (64.5%) by formol-ether concentration technique. The parasites found in descending order of frequency among the food handlers were: fertilized eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides 8.5% (17/200), cyst of Giardia (3.5%), cyst of Entamoeba histolytica 2% (4/200), eggs of Taenia spp. 1% (2/200) and eggs of Trichuris trichiura 0.5% (1/200). The association of years of work experience was inversely proportional to parasitic infection and directly proportional to history of previous deworming, both of which were statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONInexperience and lack of awareness about hygiene in food handlers play a major role in the transmission of food-borne infections. Training on food safety and periodic focused medical check-up can help to control the spread of infection in the community. Laboratory investigation should include formol ether concentration technique to enhance diagnosis.