Parasitosis through the Food-Handlers and Food Samples of Lahore City

Abstract

Background: Parasitosis” means infection or infestation with parasites. Parasites are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Various epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is high specially in developing countries.

Objective: To identify possible positive cases of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers and also to determine the presence of intestinal parasitic cysts and ova in vegetables and meat.

Study Design: A co-relational descriptive study design.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in two randomly selected markets of Lahore from January 2009 to June 2009.

Materials and Methods: This study was designed to determine the association between various risk factors and the occurrence of intestinal parasites. Random sampling was done. Stool parasitological profile was done by direct smear and foramline-ethyl acetate sedimentation method. Both vegetables and meat samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasitic cysts and ova by using centrifugal-flotation technique.

Results: 58% vegetables, 71.1% meat and 34.5% stool samples were found to be positive for intestinal parasites. Of the parasites detected, the most common parasites infecting the food handlers were Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides. Whereas parasites were more in the meat samples that were not properly stored than those that were kept in refrigerator.

Conclusion: This study revealed that risk of intestinal parasites is in direct proportion to the poor sanitary conditions.