IJCRR - 6(22), November, 2014
Pages: 19-21
STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN FOOD HANDLERS IN MANGALORE
Author: Roli Solanki, Ramya Nidhi Kaiya, Abhishek Jaysawal, Dhanashree B., C. Meghna, Vidyalakshmi K.
Category: Healthcare
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Abstract:
Introduction: Food-handlers with a poor personal hygiene and dirty habits could be potential sources of infection due to pathogenicmicroorganisms. The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan and helminthic parasites among food handlers in a hostel and canteen. Objectives: To detect the intestinal protozoan and helminthic parasites in the stool samples of food handlers and to correlate parasitic infection levels with hygiene and educational level Materials and Methods: Faecal samples of 197 food-handlers were collected of both sexes working in the hostel mess and canteen of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore for a period of one year. The collected faecal samples were subjected to direct microscopic examination using saline and iodine wet mount and concentration technique using formalin-ethyl acetate and staining the smears by modified Ziehl-Neelsen’s method.
Result: Among the 197 food-handlers included in the study 114 were males and 83 were females. There were no RBC, ova, trophozoites or cyst in the stool samples tested. Pus cells were found only in 18 samples. However none of the food-handlers were found positive for protozoan cysts and helminthic ova. Conclusion: There was no prevalence of parasitic infection among the food handlers. The findings highlight that food-handlers working in our institution have good-personal hygiene and good health education. Moreover all food handlers used personal protective equipment and take good care while handling food.
Keywords: Protozoa ova, Helminthic eggs, Food handlers
Citation:
Roli Solanki, Ramya Nidhi Kaiya, Abhishek Jaysawal, Dhanashree B., C. Meghna, Vidyalakshmi K.. STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN FOOD HANDLERS IN MANGALORE International Journal of Current Research and Review. 6(22), November, 19-21
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