Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers and restaurant workers in Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria

Food handlers have been recognized to play a major role in the transmission of food borne diseases; contributing significantly to the global incidence and burden of the diseases. This study therefore, assesses the nasal carriage of staphylococcus aureus among food handlers and restaurant workers in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 100 nasal swab samples were collected and analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus using standard methods. The results showed that the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers and restaurant workers in Ekpoma was 60%. The males had the highest prevalence of 58%, while the females had a prevalence rate of 42%. Those within age 26-30 had the highest prevalence of 67%, followed by those within the age group of ≤25 (17%) and 31-35(17%). Antibiotic sensitivity results showed that Gentamycin, Levofloxacin, Septrin, Rocephin and Ciprofloxacin had 100% sensitivity pattern, while Pefloxacin and Ampiclox exhibited 75% and 25% sensitivity patterns respectively. Ampicillin however, showed no sensitivity (0%). It is our opinion that concerted efforts need to be made to educate food handlers and restaurant workers on the importance of personal hygiene and the use of protective gadgets like nose masks while handling food products; since they serve as potential sources of staphylococcal food poisoning.Keywords: Food Handlers, Food borne diseases, Staphylococcus aureus, Nasal Carriage, Restaurant