Intestinal Parasites and Salmonella typhi Infection among Food-handlers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasites and Salmonella infections are of main public health concerns in Nigeria and the world, especially in developing countries where access to safe water and hygienic food handling practices by food handlers is a challenge. Consequently, food-handlers play a major role in the transmission of these types of foodborne diseases. Objective: This study was to determine the preponderance of intestinal parasites and Salmonella typhi among food-handlers in selected areas in Port Harcourt. Materials and Methods: A total of 480 food-handlers (195 males and 285 females) of various educational levels were sampled. Stool samples were collected and analyses were carried out using direct smear examination and formol-ether concentration technique - adopted for investigation of intestinal parasites and deoxycholate citrate agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar for the cultivation of Salmonella typhi. Results: Of 480 food-handlers examined, comprises of 195(40.6%) males and 285(59.4%) females, - majority (85.4%) were young adults aged 20-40 years. 47.9% of them - had education above secondary educational level. The preponderance of intestinal parasites was 48(10.0%) and implicated were Ascaris lumbricoides (41.7%), hookworm (33.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (25.0%). No intestinal protozoa were identified. Prevalence of 30(6.3%) was recorded for Salmonella typhi. Conclusion: Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and S.typhi infection is relatively low among food handlers in Port Harcourt, but indicates the important role food handlers play in the transmission of the infection. Therefore, awareness should be step-up for the food handlers to avoid escalation of these infections.