prevalence of salmonella, shigella and intestinal parasites among apparently healthy food handlers of adama science and technology university students’ cafeteria, adama, Ethiopia

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.