[ investigation on the prevalence of intestinal parastitic infections in food handlers in Arak [Iran] during 2002-03]

Considering the main role of digestive system in human health, programs against alimentary infectious diseases is essential. Intestinal parasitic infections are important among infectious diseases in Iran. Since contaminated food is important in transmitting infections to human, we decided to study the intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in Arak. Food handlers in Arak were categorized into five groups [Sandwich sellers, restaurants, ice-cream sellers, confectionaries and bakeries] in five different geographic areas in Arak. Stool samples were collected from 460 people [three times for each person] and examined for parasitic agents using Formaline-Ether Concentration Method. Using statistical methods, analysis was done to find the role of different variables such as age, education and so on in intestinal parasitic infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 43.7% in food handlers in Arak. Entamoeba coli and Blastocytis hominis were the most prevalent agants. Within pathogen parasites, Giardia lamblia was the most common [6.3]. No significant differences were seen between education and infection [P.value=0.261]. The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in Arak indicates the necessity of more consideration on health programs