Intestinal Parasitosis among Food Handlers in Jos, North Central Nigeria

<p>Back ground of the study: Intestinal parasitic infection remains an important public health problem in developing countries; they are associated with abdominal pain, mal absorption, diarrhea, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. They are transmitted to humans through consumption of food, water and vegetable contaminated with the infective form of the parasites. Food handlers therefore play an importance role in the transmission of these parasites to their customers.</p> <p>Objectives of the study: The study was aimed at accessing the demographic paramenters and intestinal parasitosis among foodlers in Jos metropolis.</p> <p>Methods. A cross section of 212 stool specimen were randomly collected in a clean universal container from food handlers in Jos metropolis from June to December, 2014 and transported to the Faith Medical and Diagnostic Laboratory and were examined by Macroscopy, Direct microscopy and formal ether concentration techniques.</p> <p>Results: The study recorded 55.9% of intestinal parasites. The age groups of 11-20years had the highest prevalent (85.7%) while the age groups of more than 40 years had the least prevalent of 32.1%. The females recorded 61.4% higher than 38.9% by males. The non formal educational workers had 88,7% highest while tertiary educators recorded the least of 26.8%. Food handlers who do not wash hands after defecation had 86.1% while those with regular washing hands recorded the least prevalent of 49.4%. Food handlers working in restaurant had the highest prevalent (72.8%) of intestinal parasites while the least prevalent of 35.6% were from workers in food factory. Intestinal parasites identified were Entamoeba histolytica (34.7%), Giardia lamblia (21.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (26.3%) Trichuris trichiura (25.4%) Hookworm (17.8%) Schistosoma mansoni (13.6%) Hymenolepis nana( 6.8%).</p> <p>Conclusion: food handlers in the study area are heavy carriers of intestinal parasites and therefore pose risks to their customers. We recommend that Plateau state ministry of Health should strengthen the policy of food handlers undergoing medical examination to certified fit and given them food handlers certificate before employment.