Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers of Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Food handlers regardless of whether preparing or serving food, play key roles in the transmission of food‐borne infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in Iran. In the present study, a comprehensive literature search was carried out in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex and Iran Doc, to identify all the published studies from 2000 to 31st April 2019. A total of 25 articles from different regions of Iran were identified and fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Totally, 140,447 cases were examined and 1163 cases were infected with intestinal parasites. Of all cases, 19,516 were male and 5901 were female with 1163 and 652 infected cases, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was evaluated 14.0% [95% CI: 11.0‐17.0%]. It is revealed that protozoan, such as Giardia lamblia, with prevalence of 41.0% [95% CI: 25.0‐59.0%], Blastosystis hominis with 28.0% [95% CI: 15.0‐44.0%] and Entamoeba coli with 22.0% [95% CI: 16.0‐29.0%] had the highest prevalence while, Dientamoeba fragilis 5.0% [95% CI: 4.0‐7.0%], Iodamoeba bütschlii 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0‐8.0%], Chilomastix mesnili 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0‐9.0%] and Endolimax nana with 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0‐7.0%], were less prevalent. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides7.0% [95% CI: 0.0‐29.0%] was more prevalent helminth followed with Enterobius vermicularis 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0‐5.0%], Hymenolepis nana 2.0% [95% CI: 1.0‐3.0%], Taenia spp. 2.0% [95% CI: 0.0‐7.0%] and Trichuris trichiura 1.0% [95% CI: 0.0‐1.0%]. The high prevalence of commensal parasites, such as Entamoeba coli, which does not need cure is indicating the importance of personal hygiene in food handlers.

Our results revealed the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers in Iran. Monitoring programs to prevent and controlling of transmission to individuals are needed.

Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among patients of Jimma health center requested for stool examination, Jimma, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Intestinal parasitic infections are still a serious public health problem in poor and developing countries like Ethiopia. Local epidemiological data is crucial to design and monitor prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among patients requested for stool examination at Jimma health center, Southwest, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 384 patients in Jimma health center, Southwest, Ethiopia. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square (X2) test and SPPS Version 24 and P Value<0.05 was considered for statistically significance.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was found to be 79(20.6%). The infection rate was slightly higher in females 261(68%) than in males 123(32%). Eight types of intestinal parasites were identified and the highest prevalence was Giardia lamblia 25(6.5%) followed by A. lumbricoides 22(5.7%). Single parasitic infection was found among 67(17.4%) of the patients and double infection was 12(3.1%). Shoe wearing habits, Status of fingernail, Handwashing before a meal and after defecation, Source of water for bathing and drinking were significant factors(p<0.05) for intestinal parasitic infection.

CONCLUSION

A relatively low prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was observed among patients of Jimma health center requested for the stool examination.