Throat and Nasal carriers of toxigenic and Non-Toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae among food handlers A six month study

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in AI JAZIRA POLYCLINIC, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia between April and October 1991. Food handlers were included in this study from whome throat and nasal swabs were cultured of toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae. Results showed that 11 food handlers were throat carriers of toxigenic strains [1.2%] while 6 food handlers were nasal carriers of toxigenic strains [0.66%]. Of those food handler, two harbouring the toxigenic C. diphtheriae both in their noses and throats. So, the total number of carriers of toxigenic strains was 15 [1.6%]. On the other hand, 13 food handlers harbourd non-toxigenic C. diptheriae in their throats[1.4%] compared to 9 nasal earners of non-toxigenic strains [0.99%] Total number of carriers of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae was 22 [2.4%]