Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among food handlers of food and drinking establishments in Aksum Town, Northern Ethiopia

Burden and factors influencing intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable burden with food handlers serving as potential carriers. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of these parasites varies across regions, and accurate data in the study area is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study collected stool samples from food handlers alongside a structured questionnaire gathering socio-demographic and hygiene practice information. Stool specimens were screened for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered into EpiData software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was deemed statistically significant if the p-value was less than 0.05.

Results

A total of 257 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City participated in the study. Of these, 33.5% (86/257) were found positive for one or more intestinal parasites, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 28.0-39.5%. The study identified nine types of intestinal parasites, with E. histolytica/dispar (8.2%, 21/257) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%, 17/257) being the predominant parasites, followed by hookworm (3.5%, 9/257) and S. mansoni (2.3%, 6/257). The prevalence of mixed infections was 9.3% (24/257). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasitic infection and the educational level of food handlers.

Conclusion

In this study, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was detected indicating poor hygiene practices of the food handlers at the study site. Even the prevalence of mixed infections was high. Regular training, strict adherence to personal hygiene and food-handling practices, and routine inspections and medical checkups for food handlers are crucial.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among patients attending Debarq Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs at Debarq Primary Hospital in northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The study participants were recruited from patients who visited Debarq Primary Hospital during the study period. Stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 422 individuals examined, 33.64% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm were found in 12.79%, 8.53%, 7.10%, and 1.65% of the participants, respectively. Double and triple parasite infections were found in 2.37% and 0.23% of the participants, respectively. A habit of eating unwashed vegetables (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68-37.14) and low income (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.87-23.70) were associated with increased odds of IPIs. Participants with a habit of hand washing after using the toilet had 0.05 (95% CI = 0.13-0.22) lower odds of IPIs than those who did not. In conclusion, IPIs are common among Debarq Primary Hospital patients and are associated with factors such as low income, not washing hands after using the toilet, and eating unwashed vegetation, necessitating control and prevention efforts in the study area that include health education and the provision and use of sanitary facilities.

Enteric Bacterial Infections, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern, Intestinal Parasites, and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers in Yabelo Town, Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background

Foodborne illnesses are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the twenty-first century, and food handlers are the main source of these illnesses.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites, enteric bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among food handlers working in a food and drinking establishment in Yabelo town, Borena zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the food handler's state of health. Data were gathered using semistructured questionnaires and observational checklists, and 396 regular stool samples were collected. Samples were examined with microscopy and bacteriological culture to isolate enteric bacteria. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26 The factors that had a P-value of <.05 were considered statistically significant.

Result

Of the 396 stool samples collected, 164 (41.4%) were tested positive for intestinal parasites, while 40 (10.1%) were positive for enteric bacteria (Salmonella and Shigella). Among intestinal parasites, the most predominant parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 48 (12.1%). All isolates of Salmonella and Shigella showed resistance to ampicillin. In multivariable analysis, not trimming fingernails regularly (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.97-5.37), not washing hands with soap after the toilet (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI 2.37-5.62), and eating raw food (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.79-6.51) have a significant association with the prevalence of bacteria and parasites.

Conclusion

The majority of food handlers had poor hygiene practices, and the prevalence of parasites and bacteria was high in the study setting. Educational status, eating raw vegetables or fruit, hand washing after the toilet, and fingernail trimming have associations with the health status of food handlers.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Shigella Species among Children under Five Years of Age with Diarrhea in Selected Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Shigella and parasitic infections are common public health problems throughout the world. Shigellosis is an acute gastroenteritis infection and one of Ethiopia's most common causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in children under five. High resistance rates to commonly used antibiotic agents have been documented in different locations in Ethiopia.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial features of the Shigella species isolated from children under five years of age with acute diarrhea in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional study, freshly passed fecal specimens were collected for intestinal parasite and bacterial isolation. Fecal samples for bacterial identification were placed immediately in Cary-Blair media and transported to the Ethiopian Public Health Institution (EPHI) laboratory. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AMST) was conducted using the disk diffusion method. Data were described using descriptive statistical tools. The association of independent and dependent variables was evaluated with logistic regression. A P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 8.2% with seven different species. Among the 534 stool-cultured specimens, 47 (8.8%) were positive for Shigella species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AMST) showed that 100%, 93.6%, 80.9%, 72.3%, and 57.5% were susceptible to norfloxacin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and cefoxitin, respectively. However, 100% of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin and erythromycin. More than 50% of the isolates were resistant to three and above antibiotics, while none of them were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. All risk factors assessed did not show a statistically significant association with Shigella infection.

Conclusion

The high levels of antibiotic resistance observed among the commonly prescribed antibiotics are alarming. The emerging resistance to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid signals a severe public health threat in the management of shigellosis. Raising awareness about resistance and educating health professionals, policymakers, and the public can help improve the quality of patient care and rational antibiotic use.

Intestinal parasite infection and associated factors among food handlers in Feres Bet town, North West Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021

Introduction

Intestinal parasite infections are one of the most serious public health issues in the globe. Individuals' health is harmed by a high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections, which primarily affect physical and mental growth, resulting in malnutrition, anemia, stunting, cognitive impairment, reduced educational achievement, and inefficiency.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection and associated factors among food handlers in Feres Bet town, North West Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

From March to April 2021, a facility-based cross-sectionalstudy was undertaken in Feres Bet town among food handlers and drinking establishments. A total of 370 study participants were enrolled in the study utilizing a basic random sampling procedure. Epi data version 3.1 was used to enter the data, and statistical product service solution version 25 was used to clean and analyze it. To show the relationship between dependent and independent variables, a binary logistic regression statistical model was built. Adjested odd ratios with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared statistically significant. Tables and graphs were used to convey the report.

Result

The study included 370 food handlers out of a total of 399. Approximately 166 (44.9%) of food workers tested positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Hand washing practice after toilet [(AOR: 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05-19.02)], hand washing practice after touching dirty materials [(AOR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.72-8.03)], hand washing practice before meal (AOR = 12.49, 95% CI = 4.92-31.72), periodic medical checkup [(AOR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.29-9.06)], were variables significantly associated with intestinal parasite.

Conclusions

The prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among food and drink handlers was found to be 44.9% in this investigation.

Prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among cooks in the region of Fez-Meknes (Morocco)

Cooks have an important role in the dissemination and transmission of enteropathogenic microorganisms, including intestinal parasites such as Blastocystis sp. responsible for blastocystosis. Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic, eukaryotic protist that colonizes the intestinal tract of many hosts. It is the most common parasite found in human stool. It can be the cause of acute digestive disorders which could lead to chronic syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of this protozoan in cooks in the Fez-Meknes region. This is a retrospective descriptive analytical study carried out in the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes. Out of a total of 200 parasitological examinations of cooks' stools, 88 (44 %) cases were positive for intestinal parasites. Blastocystis sp. is the most frequently encountered protozoan in our study. It represents 39.78 % of those infected. It is associated in 48.57 % of cases with another intestinal parasite. Dientamoeba fragilis (D. fragilis) is the most found in 31.43 % of co-infections, respectively followed by Entamoeba coli (E. coli) (8.57 %), Endolimax nana (E. nana) (5.71 %) and Pseudolimax boutschlii (P. boutschlii) (2.86 %). Our results showed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in the kitchen staff population. These workers must be considered as reservoirs of this microorganism, and therefore a source of infection in those around them. Consequently, preventive measures are necessary, including raising awareness among this population in order to effectively fight against the infestation by this protozoan in particular and other parasites in general.

Foodborne disease hazards and burden in Ethiopia: A systematic literature review, 1990–2019

Background

Foodborne disease (FBD) affects millions of people each year, posing a health burden similar to malaria, tuberculosis or HIV. A recent World Bank study estimated the productivity losses alone attributed to unsafe food within Africa at $20 billion in 2016, and the cost of treating these illnesses at an additional $3.5 billion. Ethiopia faces multiple food safety challenges due to lack of infrastructure and basic pre-requisites for food safety such as clean water and environment, washing facilities, compounded by limited implementation of food safety regulations, and a lack of incentives for producers to improve food safety. A consolidation of our understanding and evidence of the source, nature and scale of FBD in Ethiopia is needed to inform policy and future research. We performed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of publications on FBD occurrence in Ethiopia including hazard presence and impact.

Method

The SLR followed Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and CAB-Direct for relevant publications between 1990 and 2019 (inclusive). Observational studies and reviews were included. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and retained publications were reviewed in full for quality and data extraction.

Result

In total 128 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most articles focused on the identification of biological hazards in food. High levels of microbial contamination in different food value chains were often found in the small, ad hoc, observational studies that dominated the literature. Raw milk (22/128, 17.0%) and raw beef (21/128, 16.4%) were the most studied food products. Foodborne (FB) parasites were often found at higher rates in food than bacterial and viral pathogens, possibly due to differences in ease of identification. High levels of bacterial contamination on the hands of food handlers were widely reported. There were no reports on the incidence of human FBDs or resulting health and economic impacts.

Conclusion

Our findings reflect existing concerns around food safety in Ethiopia. A lack of substantial, coordinated studies with robust methodologies means fundamental gaps remain in our knowledge of FBD in Ethiopia, particularly regarding FBD burden and impact. Greater investment in food safety is needed, with enhanced and coordinated research and interventions.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Food Handlers of Food and Drinking Establishments in Woldia Town, North-East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Food handlers should be screened periodically for intestinal parasitic infections, and they should be treated to reduce intestinal parasite transmission to consumers through contaminated foods and drinks. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia.

Method

A community-basedcross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers in Woldia town, North-East Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and intestinal parasite-associated risk factors. Microscopic examination of a stool sample was performed using wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software packages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. In all comparisons, P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in Woldia town was 14.3%. Six different intestinal parasites were detected. The majority of the parasites identified were helminthic infections 37/52 (71%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most dominant parasite (7.7%), followed by E. histolytica/dispar (2.7%) and G. lamblia (1.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intestinal parasitic infection had a statistically significant association with food handlers' habits of hand washing without soap after latrine use (P < 0.01), swimming habit (P=0.03), and using a common knife (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Woldia town. Strict and standard hygienic and sanitary practices should be implemented by food handlers. Moreover, food handlers should be screened for intestinal parasitic infection, and health education should be given periodically.

Intestinal Parasitosis and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers Working in the University of Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Intestinal parasite infections are major global public health problems. The majority of persons infected reside in Sub-Saharan Africa with a high burden of the disease. Very few studies have been done in Ethiopia and none exist at Wachemo University, Southern Ethiopia. The present study aimed to investigate intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among Wachemo University students' cafeteria food handlers.

METHODS

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 randomly selected food handlers from 15, February to 05, March/2019. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and standard laboratory procedures were employed to collect stool and finger specimens and analyzed them for intestinal parasites. Data were edited, cleaned, entered, using EPI data 3.3.1, and analyzed by statistical package for social science version 20. A stepwise logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval for the different factors.

RESULTS

Of 212, the majority 63.7% were females and 48.1% attended grades 9 to 10. Of the stool and fingernail specimens examined, 29.7 % and 5.6% were positive for different parasites, respectively. The most prevalent parasite is Ascaris lumbricoides (12.7%) followed by Hookworm (6.6%), Giardia lamblia (4.7%), Taenia saginata (2.4%), and mixed infection (3.3%). Although several factors showed significant association with intestinal parasitosis, attending secondary level education 94.5% (AOR: 0.055; 95% CI [0.007-0.413]), fingernail status (AOR: 0.330; 95% CI [0.113-0.965]), and hand washing with soap and water after toilet use (AOR: 0.332; 95% CI [0.125-0.884]) were the significant variables in multivariable analysis (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated intestinal parasite infections as a public health issue in Ethiopia that requires attention. Appropriate intervention programs like encouraging food handlers to practice good hygiene, routine hand washing at key times, and nail trimming should be implemented.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites and Enteric Bacterial Infections among Selected Region Food Handlers of Ethiopia during 2014-2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Food-borne disease due to intestinal parasites (IPs) and enteric bacterial infections (EBIs) remain a major public health problem. Food handlers, individuals involved in preparing and serving food, working with poor personal hygiene could pose a potential threat of spreading IPs and EBIs to the public. The aim of this study was to examine the overall prevalence and risk factors of IPs and EBIs among food handlers in four selected regions of Ethiopia. Scientific articles written in English were recovered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and other sources from Google Engine and University Library Databases. “Prevalence,” “Intestinal Parasites,” “Enteric Bacterial Infections,” “Associated Factors,” “Food Handlers,” and “Ethiopia” were the search terms used for this study. For critical appraisal, PRISMA 2009 was applied. Stata software version 16 was used to perform the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran's Q, inverse variance (I²), and funnel plot asymmetry tests. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of IPs and EBIs and its associated factors among food handlers, along with the parallel odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For this meta-analysis, a total of 5844 food handlers were included in the 20 eligible studies. The overall pooled prevalence of IPs and EBIs among food handlers in four selected regions of Ethiopia was 29.16% (95% CI: 22.61, 35.71), with covering (25.77%) and (3.39%) by IPs and EBIs, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, and hookworm were the most prevalent IPs among food handlers with a pooled prevalence of 7.58%, 6.78%, 3.67%, and 2.70%, respectively. Salmonella and Shigella spp. were the most prevalent EBIs among food handlers with a pooled prevalence of 2.78% and 0.61%, respectively. A high prevalence of IPs and EBIs among food handlers was observed in Oromia (38.56%; 95% CI: 29.98, 47.14), while a low prevalence was observed in the Tigray region (19.45%; 95% CI: 6.08, 32.82). Food handlers who had not taken food hygiene training (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: −0.34, 1.69), untrimmed finger nail (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.99), lack of periodic medical checkup (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.41, 2.64), lack of handwashing habits (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.53, 3.41), and eating raw vegetables and meat (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 0.92, 4.34) were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of IPs and EBIs. The prevalence of IPs and EBIs was high in the selected Ethiopian region (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, and Tigray) food handlers along an increasing prevalence trend from 2014 to 2022. Therefore, this study recommends the provision of proper health education and training regarding personal hygiene, hand washing, food handling, medical checks, as well as raw vegetable and meat safety.

Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Risk Factors among HIV-Infected Patients Seeking Healthcare in a Rural Hospital in Ghana

Background

Parasitic infections among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are common in various regions and populations across the world and have since remained a persistent public health challenge. Sub-Saharan Africa harbors the greatest burden of the infections due to sociodemographic and behavioral factors. However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV-infected persons has been poorly investigated in Ghana.

Aim

This study sought to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and associated factors in HIV-infected individuals attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in St. Mary Theresa Hospital, Dodi Papase.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to September 2021 among three hundred and thirty-five HIV-infected individuals in the study area. Sociodemographic and behavioral factors were collected with the aid of a close-ended structured questionnaire. Furthermore, stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by microscopy using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen (Zn) techniques. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and Graphpad Prism version 8.

Results

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 5.97%. Species-specific prevalence was found to be 2.99% for Giardia lamblia, 1.19% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 0.90% each for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Trichuris trichiura. There was a significant association between participants' educational level and intestinal parasitic infection. In addition, gastrointestinal parasitic infections were not found to be associated with age. Unemployed participants, those with a lower frequency of deworming, and those who do not use water closet toilet facilities were at a higher risk of getting infected.

Conclusion

The lower infection rate recorded in this study suggests that public health interventions put in place are yielding significant results. Even though the prevalence is low, routine screening of all HIV-infected patients for parasitic infection is recommended to ensure timely, effective treatment and comprehensive care.

Food hygiene practices and determinants among food handlers in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Food-borne diseases are a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Ethiopia. Poor food hygiene practices primarily exacerbate food-borne illness transmission. Prior studies on the food hygiene practices among food handlers in Ethiopia were inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of good food hygiene practices and identify the determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) instruments were used, and a systematic search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar were systematically last searched on the 24th February 2022 for relevant articles. Only the observational studies that reported the proportion of good food hygiene practices and their associated factors among food handlers were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two independent authors. Articles with unclear methodologies and did not report the overall proportions of good food hygiene practice were excluded. The effect estimates for pooled proportion and pooled odds ratio (POR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined conducting using DerSimonian–Laird's random effect model.

Results

Among 817 retrieved studies, 23 eligible articles with a total sample size of 7153 study participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of good food hygiene practices among food handlers was 50.5% [95% CI: (41.6, 59.4%]; I² = 98.7%, p value = 0.001]. Food handlers with formal education (POR = 4.60, 95% CI: 3.05, 6.93), good knowledge (POR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.11), training (POR = 3.52, 95% CI: 2.35, 5.28), and a positive attitude (POR = 3.41, 95% CI: 2.52, 4.61) about food hygiene components, as well as regular medical checkups (POR = 6.75, 95% CI: 4.49) were significantly associated with good food hygiene practice.

Conclusions

Only half of Ethiopia's food handlers had good food hygiene practice.

Implication of the study

The key elements of effective food hygiene practice that will aid in the development of feasible interventions to increase food handler compliance with food hygiene components have been identified.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-022-00423-6.

Assessment of Intestinal Parasites, Enteric Bacterial Infections, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Street Food Handlers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Background

Food-borne infections are common public health problems worldwide. A street food handler with poor personal hygiene contributes to the transmission of intestinal parasites and enteric bacteria to the public via contaminated foods. In Ethiopia, health risks associated with street food are common. Previous studies in this area are scanty. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, enteric bacterial infections, and antimicrobial susceptibility among street food handlers in Jimma town.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among 260 street food handlers in Jimma town. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews. About 3 grams of the fecal specimen were collected from each food handler for bacterial culture and concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Associated factors were identified by using binary logistic regression analysis. A statistically significant association was determined at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteric bacterial pathogens was 39.2% (33.3%–45.2%) and 8.85% (5.4%–12.3%), respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%) and Salmonella (8.1%) were the most predominant parasite and enteric bacterial isolates, respectively. Not trimming fingernails (AOR = 2.884; 95% CI: 1.682–4.945) and not washing hands with soap after toilet (AOR = 3.342; 95% CI: 1.939–5.761) were factors associated with increased risk of infection by intestinal parasites or enteric bacterial pathogens. All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin.

Conclusion

The infection with intestinal parasites and enteric bacterial pathogens detected in this study indicated that street food handlers may serve as sources of pathogens/parasites for transmission and experience morbidities due to the infections. Therefore, periodic medical checkups and creating awareness of personal hygiene are mandatory to reduce the risk of infections.

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.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among food handlers in Medebay Zana District, north West Tigray, northern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal parasites are amongst the major public health challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and its associated factors among food handlers in Medebay Zana District, Tigray, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 food handler individuals selected by systematic random sampling. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the possible association between the independent variable and outcome variables. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULT

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 33.2% within this sample. The dominant parasite was Entamoeba coli 50(37.4%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 24(18%), Entamoeba hartmanni 18(13.5), Giardia lamblia 17(12.8%), Schistosoma mansoni 8(6%), Hymenolepis nana 7(5.3%), Entervious vermicularies 6(4.5%) and Taenia species 3(2.5%).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers for a range of intestinal parasites. The significant predictors were the source of water, washing hands before food preparation, washing hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet, shower installation at the workplace, washing the body regularly and eating raw vegetables and raw meat. Hence, local health planners should implement appropriate interventional measures for the novel risk factors to mitigate the problem.

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

Assessment of knowledge, practice, and status of food handlers toward Salmonella, Shigella, and intestinal parasites: A cross-sectional study in Tigrai prison centers, Ethiopia

Background

Unsafe food becomes a global public health and economic threat to humans. The health status, personal hygiene, knowledge, and practice of food handlers have crucial impact on food contamination. Hence, this study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, practice, and prevalence of Salmonella, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers in Eastern Tigrai prison centers, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to September 2019 among food handlers in Eastern Tigrai prison centers, Northern Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic characteristics, the knowledge, and the practice of the study participants. Direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques were applied to identify intestinal parasites. Culture and biochemical tests were used to isolate the Salmonella and the Shigella species. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility tests to selected antibiotics were performed using Kirby-Baur disk diffusion method. We used SPSS version 23 software for statistical analysis.

Results

Thirty-seven (62.7%, 37/59) of the participants had harbored one or more intestinal parasites. The protozoan Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was detected among 23.7% (14/59) of the study participants who provided stool specimen. Besides, 6.8% (4/59) of the samples were positive for either Salmonella or Shigella species. The Salmonella isolates (n = 2) were sensitive to Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, and Clarithromycin but resistant to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Similarly, the two Shigella isolates were susceptible to Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, and Ceftriaxone but showed resistance to Amoxicillin, Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol. Further, 60.6% (40/66) of the participants had good level of knowledge, and 51.5% (34/66) had good level of practice on foodborne diseases and on food safety.

Conclusions

We conclude that foodborne pathogens are significant health problems in the study areas. Regular health education and training programs among the food handlers are demanded to tackle foodborne diseases at the prison centers.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Salmonella, Shigella, and Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factor among Food Handlers in Dilla University Student Cafeteria, Dilla, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Food-borne disease is mostly caused by unsafe food handling and processing as well as poor hygienic practice. Recently, it is a worldwide and local burden to the human health. It is estimated that about one-third of the world population is affected by food-borne diseases annually and become a global public health problem. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors of Shigella, Salmonella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers in Dilla University, Southern Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to September 2018/2019. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data on sociodemographic characteristics. Parasite and bacterial identification, as well as susceptibility testing, was done using standard parasitological and bacteriological procedures.

RESULTS

Of the total 220 food handlers included in the study, 38.6%, 9.5%, and 3.2% were positive for intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species, respectively. A. lumbricoides (11.4%) was the predominant parasite isolated followed by E. histolytica (7.7%). From the total Salmonella isolates, serogroup D was the most frequent isolate and from the total Shigella species, Shigella flexneri was the predominant isolate. In this study, through irregular medical checkups, those who drunk unpasteurized milk and ate raw meat were significantly associated with intestinal parasites. Both Salmonella and Shigella species were highly resistant to ampicillin (81%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (>70%). Salmonella isolates are highly sensitive to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, while Shigella is highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. MDR was recorded in 71.4% of all bacterial isolates.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species that were resistant to the commonly prescribed drugs is a treat to the children and the community at large. Therefore, measures including health education, improvement of safe water supply, sanitation facilities, and continuous monitoring of microbiological and antimicrobial surveillance are crucial.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Salmonella, Shigella, and Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in Motta Town, North West Ethiopia

Background

Intestinal parasite, Salmonella, and Shigella infections are the main public health concerns in the world, especially in developing countries due to inaccessibility of safe water and unhygienic food handling practices of food handlers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in food handlers in Motta town, from February 2019 to April 2019. The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Salmonella, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among 243 food handlers. Sociodemographic and risk factors were collected using pretested structured questionnaire. The stool sample was collected and examined with direct wet mount and concentration techniques. Culture was performed using xylose lysine deoxycholate agar and MacConkey agar and biochemical tests like Klinger iron agar (KIA), lysine iron agar (LIA), Simmons citrate agar, sulphide indole motility test, citrate utilization, and urease production test were conducted to isolate Salmonella species and Shigella species. An antibiotics susceptibility test was performed with Mueller-Hinton agar using the disk diffusion method. Data were entered using statistical package Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analysed with logistic regression using SPSS version 25 and Fisher's exact test. A p value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of intestinal parasite, Salmonella, and Shigella was 27.6%, 2.5%, and 1.6%, respectively, and hookworm was the predominant intestinal parasite detected in the stool. Antimicrobial resistance was observed in ampicillin and tetracycline (100%) in Salmonella species and Shigella species. Risk factors like fingernail status, fruit washing before eating, cleaning utensils, and regular shoe wearing habit were associated with intestinal parasite, whereas fingernail status and wearing kitchen gown during food service were significantly associated with Salmonella and Shigella infections.

Conclusion

The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, Salmonella, and Shigella infections in this study indicates the importance of food handlers as probable sources of enteropathogenic infections. Food handlers should have follow-up on the order of food safety rules and keep their personal hygiene. Hotel owners are responsible to control the health status and their created awareness by given food hygiene training for food handlers. Therefore, policy-makers and implementers should focus on the risk factors to reduce the prevalence below the level of public health importance.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student's cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intestinal infection is still an important public health problem in low-income countries. Food handlers may be infected by a wide range of enteropathogens and have been implicated in the transmission of many infections to the public. Therefore, the aim of this review was to produce the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student's cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Articles published in PubMed/Medline, Hinari, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used using a search strategy. Observational studies (cross-sectional) revealing the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections at higher public University student's cafeterias and public food establishments were incorporated. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 14 statistical software. Heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. The pooled prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors among food handlers was calculated by the random-effect model.

RESULTS

Out of 138 reviewed studies, 18 studies were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Ethiopia. All the eighteen articles were included in the analysis. This study revealed that the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 28.5% (95% CI: 27.4, 29.7). E. hystolitica /E. dispar complex 6.38 (95% Cl: 5.73, 7.04), A.lumbricodes 4.12 (95% Cl: 3.56, 4.67), and G. lamblia 3.12(95% Cl: 2.65, 3.60) were the most common intestinal parasitic infections in this study. Untrimmed fingernail 3.04 (95% CI: 2.19, 4.22), do not washing hands after defecation 2.71 (95% CI: 1.93, 3.82), do not washing hands after touching any body parts 2.41 (95% CI: 1.64, 3.56), do not made medical checkup 2.26 (95% CI: 1.57, 3.25), and do not receive food safety training 1.79 (95% CI: 1.30, 2.45) were factors significantly and positively associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

CONCLUSION

Parasitic infections among food handlers were significantly high. Untrimmed fingernail, do not washing hands after defecation, do not washing hands after touching any body parts, do not made regular medical checkup and do not receive food safety training were factors that increase the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.

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

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.

Intestinal parasites among food handlers of food service establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Intestinal parasites remain considerable public health problems in low-income countries where poor food hygiene practice is common. Food handlers, people involved in preparing and serving food, working with poor personal hygiene could pose a potential threat of spreading intestinal parasites to the public in a community. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was, therefore, to synthesize the pooled prevalence estimate of intestinal parasites and associated pooled odds ratio of hygienic predictors among food handlers of food service establishments in Ethiopia that could aid to further bringing down the burden of intestinal parasites and it can also be used as a springboard for future studies.

Methods

We searched exhaustively for studies Published before 20 April 2019 using eight Databases; PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Ovid MEDLINE® complemented by the gray literature search. In the final synthesis, we included twenty study reports. We used the Cochrane Q test and I² test to assess heterogeneity of studies, while we employed a funnel plot followed by Egger’s regression asymmetry test and Begg rank correlation methods to evaluate publication bias. We also performed a point estimates and 95% confidence interval for each study using STATA version 14 statistical software.

Results

The overall pooled prevalence estimate of intestinal parasites among food handlers of food service establishments in Ethiopia was 33.6% (95%CI: 27.6–39.6%). Among ten intestinal parasites identified from food handlers, Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar (11, 95%CI: 7.9–14.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (8.8, 95%CI: 6.4–11.2%) were the most predominant intestinal parasites. Food handlers who washed hands after toilet use had 54% (OR, 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.94) protection from intestinal parasites compared to those who did not.

Conclusions

This study revealed that intestinal parasitic infections are notable among food handlers of food service establishments in Ethiopia, which may be a risk for transmitting intestinal parasites to food and drinks consumers through the food chain. Thus, periodic stool checkup, training on intestinal parasitic infections and personal hygiene should be applied to reduce public health and socio-economic impacts of parasitic infections.

Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University student's cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia: an institution based cross-sectional study

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to assess the Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University Student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 study participants in Woldia university student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire by direct interviewing of study participants. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

Results

A total of 256 food handlers were enrolled making the overall magnitude of the intestinal parasite which was stool specimens positive for different diagnostic stages of parasites was found to be 43 (16.8%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasites 14 (5.5%), followed by Giardia lamblia 10 (3.9%). Lack of food safety training (AOR = 6.58; 95% CI 2.46–17.62), no regular medical checkup (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.47–4.24), no handwashing practice after toilet by soap (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI 1.28–8.19), no handwashing practice before eating by soap (AOR = 4.03; 95% CI 1.64–9.91) and haven’t food preparation license (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI 2.18–17.22) were significantly associated with parasitic infection among food handlers.

Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among mentally disabled and non-disabled primary school students, Bahir Dar, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2018: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections are still common in low-income countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children due to low-quality drinking water, poor personal and environmental sanitation. Disabled individuals are excluded from most academic, economic, social and cultural opportunities, they are among the poorest and most marginalized of the whole world’s people.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among mentally disabled and non-disabled students at primary schools in Bahir Dar city, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2018.

Methods

A school-based Comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 1–30, 2018. A total of 418 study participants, 104 mentally disabled and 314 non-disabled students were recruited through a simple random sampling technique. The collected data were coded, entered and cleaned with EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% Confidence interval at a 5% level of significance was used to measure the strength of association.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 14.05 ± 3.66 and 11.96 ± 2.94 for mentally disabled students and non-disabled students. Prevalence of parasitic infection was 56.70% (n = 59) for mentally disabled students whereas 41.10%(n = 129) for non-disabled students. Unclean fingernails [AOR = 2.42; 1.40,4.17], health checkups [AOR = 1.87;1.16,3.02], hand washing with water only [AOR = 2.48; 1.49,4.12], cooking and sanitation source of water [AOR = 4.40;2.32,8.36], Grade [ (1–4)] [AOR = 2.27;1.41,3.67], sex [AOR = 1.64;1.03,2.63] and Family size> = 7 [AOR = 2.74;1.25,5.99] were variables which showed statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infections.

Conclusion

The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was higher among mentally disabled students than non-disabled students. Unclean fingernails, health checkups, hand washing habits, source of water, family size, sex and Grade of students have had a statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infections. Periodic medicinal treatment was needed twice a year for mentally disabled and once a year for non-disabled students.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4165-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus isolates from livestock based on mitochondrial cox1 gene, in the Markazi province, Iran

Hydatidosisis a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus with different genotypes, and major complications in vital organs such as liver, lungs and, brain. Also, this parasite can infect animals and cause economic damages. Recently, some investigations indicated that the genetic variation of the parasite affects the antigenic, immunogenic and pathogenic features. Therefore, present study conducted to genotyping of the E. granulosus larva based on mitochondrial cox1 gene in livestock in the endemic areas of Markazi province, Iran. In this study, 49 hydatid cysts samples collected from 36 sheep, 11 goats and 2 cattle from different slaughterhouses of Markazi province in central part of Iran, 2017. The mitochondrial cox1 gene was amplified and genotyping were accomplished using sequence analysis. The sequencing analysis indicated that the main genotype G1 (61%) and G3 (37%) were identified. Also, one of the samples shows similarity with the G2 (2%) genotype. The results showed the statistically significant differences between the genotypes in different livestock (P < 0.05). This study indicated that the main genotypes of E. granulosus in Markazi province are G1 and G3 which are related to dog/sheep strain. Therefore, parasite control in dogs and sheep can reduce the risk of transmission of infection to humans.

The prevalence of intestinal parasite infection and associated factors among food handlers in eating and drinking establishments in Chagni Town, Northwest Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among food handlers in Changni district, Awi zone Ethiopia.

RESULTS

A total of 442 food handlers were included in the study with a response rate of 90%. The prevalence of infection with at least one of the intestinal parasites was 14.8% [95% CI (11.5%, 18.0%)]. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, lack of regular hand washing before meal [AOR = 4.77, 95% CI (2.09, 10.87)], regular hand washing after visiting toilets, [AOR = 3.39, 95% CI (1.52, 7.57)], trimmed fingernails, [AOR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.29, 4.42)], and frequent medical check-ups for intestinal parasites [AOR = 3.54, 95% CI (1.11, 11.31)] were significantly associated with the infection of intestinal parasitosis.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among asymptomatic food handlers in Wollo University student's cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia

Objective

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health and socioeconomic problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Food-handlers that directly deal with production and distribution of foods between societies are one of the most important sources to transmit parasitic infections to humans. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among asymptomatic food-handlers working in students’ cafeteria of Wollo University, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Result

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 asymptomatic food handlers at Wollo University from January 1 to February 20, 2018. Among the total participants 30 (15%) were infected with at least one intestinal parasites. The dominant parasite was E. histolytica (5.5%) followed by A. lumbricoides (4%) and then G. lamblia (3%). Finger nail trimming (p = 0.002, AOR: 4.35, 95% CI 1.71–11.04), medical checkup (p = 0.012, AOR: 4.01, 95% CI 1.37–12.25) and residence (p = 0.014, AOR: 3.16, 95% CI 1.26–7.95) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among the food handlers.

Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among asymptomatic food handlers working at Haramaya University cafeterias, eastern Ethiopia

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems worldwide, with high prevalence in low income countries where substandard food hygiene practices are common. Asymptomatic food handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of parasitic infections. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among asymptomatic food handlers working at Haramaya University cafeterias, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among asymptomatic food handlers working at Haramaya University cafeterias from August 2015 to January 2016. Population proportion to size allocation and systematic random sampling techniques were used to identify the study participants. Stool samples were collected and examined simultaneouly using direct and modified formol ether concentration wet smear techniques. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Logistic regressions were applied to assess association between independent variable and intestinal parasitic infections. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

A total of 417 asymptomatic food handlers were enrolled in this study. Of these, females comprised 79.4%. Large proportion (39.3%) of food handlers were in the age group of 31-40 years. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 25.2% (95% CI: 18.3, 29.6). Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar (46.7%) and A. lumbricoides (14.3%) were the most frequent isolates. Having no formal education [AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.67], monthly income of less than 45.7 USD [AOR: 3.86, 95% CI: 1.62, 9.20], lack of hand washing after the use of the toilet with soap [AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.86] and untrimmed fingernails [AOR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.99, 5.49] have significant association with intestinal parasitic infections.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in this study highlights the importance of food handlers as probable sources of parasitic infections. Public health measures and sanitation programs should be strengthened to control the spread of intestinal parasitic infections.

Burden of intestinal pathogens and associated factors among asymptomatic food handlers in South Ethiopia: emphasis on salmonellosis

Objective

The study aims to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and Salmonellosis among asymptomatic food handlers at meal serving facilities in Sodo town. Antibiotic resistance was also common and increasing among Salmonella isolates with multidrug resistance as current concern.

Result

Community based cross-sectional study was carried out from 387 food handlers working in meal serving facilities. Food handlers, 159(41%) had one or more intestinal parasites. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite 30(7.8%), followed by Taenia species 26(6.7%) and Hook worm 23(5.9%). A total number of 35 Salmonella isolates were found of which Sero-group D was the most frequent, 17(48.5%) followed by Sero-group C, 12(34.3%), and B 6(17.1%). Ten (2.5%) isolates were Salmonella typhi. Raw meat eating, hand washing after toilet and after touching dirty materials showed significant association with intestinal pathogens. Salmonella isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (85.7%), amoxicillin and tetracycline 74.3% each. Multidrug resistance prevalence of 81.8% was identified. Periodic screening of food handlers is important in order to prevent the transmission of intestinal parasites and Salmonellosis. Treatment needs to be based on accurate laboratory detection to mitigate the spread of drug resistant Salmonella strains.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3610-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.