Prevalence and Pattern of Bacteria and Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: In developing countries; biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food; water; nails; and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly; food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects' stool; urine; and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include E. Coli (1.8); coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9); Staphylococcus aureus(7.1); Klebsiella species (2.4); Serratia species (1.2); Serratia species (1.2); Citrobacter species (1.2); and Enterococcus species (1.8). The subjects' stool samples tested positive For A. lumbricoides (14.9); T. trichuria (1.8); S. starcolaris (3.0); E. histolytica (10.7); G. lambilia (1.8); S. mansoni (1.2); and Taenia species (4.8). Furthermore; 42.3 and 15.5 of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species; respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness; and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices