Intestinal parasites among employees of restaurants and cafeterias in a city of Brazil / Parásitos intestinales entre los empleados de restaurantes y cafeterías en una ciudad de Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in employees of restaurants and cafeterias located in the Commercial Center of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, one of the oldest cities of Brazil. Material and Methods Between August 2013 and February 2014, 42 fecal samples were collected and analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation method in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus Campus. Results The results were positive in 19 % of the samples. The commensal Entamoeba coli (75 %) was the most common followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (37.5 %) and Giardia lamblia (12.5 %). Conclusions Implementing health education measures in the city of São Mateus is suggested by providing permanent health education, as well as conducting parasitological examinations. Such actions will contribute to the improvement of health conditions of the population.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Investigar la frecuencia de parásitos intestinales en empleados de restaurantes y cafeterías ubicadas en el Centro Comercial de São Mateus, Espírito Santo, una de las ciudades más antiguas de Brasil. Materiales y Métodos Entre agosto de 2013 y febrero de 2014, 42 muestras fecales fueron recolectadas y analizadas por el método de Sedimentación Espontánea en el Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos de la Universidad Federal de Espírito Santo, campus de São Mateus. Resultados Los resultados fueron positivos en el 19 % de las muestras, y el comensal más frecuente fue Entamoeba coli (75 %), seguido de los parásitos Entamoeba his-tolytica/dispar (37,5 %) y Giardia lamblia (12,5 %). Conclusión Se sugiere la necesidad de adoptar medidas de educación sanitaria para la ciudad de São Mateus, dando charlas permanentes sobre orientación sanitaria y realizando exámenes parasitológicos. Estas acciones contribuirán a la mejora de las condiciones de salud de la población.(AU)

Enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in an ancient Brazilian city.

OBJECTIVE: To assess contamination by enteroparasites in raw vegetables consumed in the city of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and parsley (Petrosolium sativum) were collected from six popular establishments, such as supermarkets and street markets. The obtained material was analyzed, after washing, by the spontaneous sedimentation method in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus Campus. RESULTS: From a total of 120 analyzed samples, 71 (59 %) had one or more parasitic contaminants. Lettuce samples had a contamination rate of 78.3 %, and parsley samples of 40 %. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the vegetables consumed in the city had protozoa, helminths and arthropods, which points to the need for implementing hygienic-sanitary measures in production, handling and transportation of these vegetables.

Intestinal parasites among employees of restaurants and cafeterias in a city of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in employees of restaurants and cafeterias located in the Commercial Center of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, one of the oldest cities of Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 2013 and February 2014, 42 fecal samples were collected and analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation method in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus Campus. RESULTS: The results were positive in 19 % of the samples. The commensal Entamoeba coli (75 %) was the most common followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (37.5 %) and Giardia lamblia (12.5 %). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing health education measures in the city of São Mateus is suggested by providing permanent health education, as well as conducting parasitological examinations. Such actions will contribute to the improvement of health conditions of the population.