Abstract:
Background: Food borne infections is a common problem among developed and developing
countries like Ethiopia. It is estimated that about 30% of the world population is affected by food
born disease annually and 2 million deaths were reported per year by World Health organization
(WHO). The common etiologic agents of food borne disease are bacteria like Salmonella and
Shigella species as well as intestinal parasites. There is a limited data on the causative agents of
food born disease as well as the associated risk factors in Adama town, Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess prevalence of Salmonella, Shigella and intestinal parasites among
apparently healthy food handlers working in Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU)
students’ cafeteria in Adama town, Southeast of Addis Ababa.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among 210 apparently healthy individuals,
from April to June 2018. Socio-demographic and related data were collected using structured
questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasite using wet
mount and formol ether concentration technique. In addition stool was processed for culture to
isolate and identify Salmonella and Shigella species using MacConkey and XLD medias and
standard biochemical testing media. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using disk
diffusion method. Statistical analysis was made for calculating the prevalence and associated
risk factors.
Result: From the total of 210 participants 200 were females. No Salmonella was isolated and
five Shigella species were isolated. All isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and all of them were
resistant to Ampicilin and Cotrimoxazole. Thirteen study participants were positive for different
types of intestinal parasites. E. histolitica, G.lamblia, A. lumbricoid ,Tainea spp. were the
identified parasites. Hand washing habit before touching/preparing food and hand washing with
only water or with water and soap after using toilet were significantly associated with Shigella
species infection. But none of risk factors was associated with prevalence of intestinal parasite.
Conclusion: Prevalence of Shigella species and intestinal parasites were observed on few
apparently healthy food handles. To reduce bacterial and intestinal parasitic infection as well as
drug resistance isolates, periodic medical checkup and follow up and rational use of drugs are
recommended for food handlers working in ASTU students’ cafeteria.
