Prevalence of parasitic infestations amongst the food handlers in a city of North Eastern Region of India.

Background & objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in the city of North eastern region of India. Materials and Methods: Three hundred food-handlers were included to in this study. The stool samples were collected from the subjects and examined for intestinal parasites following direct microscopic examination and Formol Ether concentration (Ritchie) technique. Results: The majority (88.63%) of the food-handlers (cases) were young adults and middle aged from 20 to 49 years. Eighty eight (29.33%) stool specimens were positive showing 99 different diagnostic stages of parasites. Some specimens were infected by more than 1 parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides 37(37.37%) was most frequent among the different detected intestinal parasites followed by Entamoeba histolytica 21(21.21%). Other parasites were Trichuris trichiura 10(10.10%), Giardia lamblia 9(9.09%) and Taenia species 5(5.05%). Most of the food handlers were having poor hygiene residing in rural area and slums. Conclusion: Routine screening of food handlers is a valuable tool for prevention of food-borne infections among the public. In addition we should provide health education emphasizing the importance of food handlers as potential sources of infections and suggested health institutions for appropriate hygienic and sanitary control measures.