Asymptomatic Carriers of Enteric Pathogens and the Risk Factors among Food Handlers in a Rural Setting in Nigeria
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Microbiology - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction: Presence of enteric pathogens in humans has been described as one of the most common challenges of developing countries. Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from 540 randomly selected workers in the hospitality industry in Etim-Ekpo and were subjected to microscopic and bacteriological examination to detect asymptomatic carriers of enteric pathogens. A structured questionnaire was used to collect additional data from the subjects. Each of these subjects aged between 18 and 56 years, gave informed oral consent before samples were collected. Results: The results show presence of the following enteric bacterial pathogens: Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter sp and Campylobacter sp. Intestinal parasites detected were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Taenia sp and Trichuris trichuria, cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. The distribution of the enteric pathogens was comparable among male and female subjects (p˃0.5). Putative risk factors that may have promoted transmission of these pathogens include poor personal hygiene habits, (OR 5.14, 95% CI 1.66-10.62, p = 0.01), use of local stream/river as source of domestic water supply (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.20-4.2, p = 0.01) and poor sanitation with improper facility for sewage disposal (OR 4.49, 95% CI 2.61-4.21, p = 0.03). Discussion and Conclusion: The findings in this study bring to light the evidence that food handlers in some hospitality outlets in Etim-Ekpo are asymptomatic carriers of enteric pathogens. It is therefore advocated that food handlers in this area should be screened regularly and treated if found to harbor enteric pathogens. Promulgation and implementation of appropriate policies should be enforced in order to check the excesses of some food handlers and vendors.
Authors and Affiliations
A. N. Umo, A. O. Okon
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP338224
- DOI 10.9734/JAMB/2017/34060
- Views 91
- Downloads 0
Archaea Domain as Biocatalyst in Environmental Biotechnology and Industrial Applications: A Review
Achaea constitute a considerable fraction of the prokaryotes which colonize marine and terrestrial ecosystem especially in the extreme environments. These microorganisms play crucial roles and contribute significant impa...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance in Herbal Drug-sensitized Staphylococcus aureus Isolate
Background: Herbal remedies are locally produced drugs usually made from plant sources. Due to their inexpensive nature, low-income individuals prefer them over modern antibiotics in the treatment of infections. Aims: T...
In vivo Studies of Antiviral Effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera Extracts on Newcastle Disease Virus
Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically important disease of poultry. Vaccination had been the only way of prevention in Nigeria and indeed many countries of the world. Possible therapy is presently lacking. Drugs deve...
Comparative Assessment of Antibacterial Activity of Chromolaena odorata Leaf Extracts against Selected Clinical Bacterial Isolates
Aim: This research is aimed to compare the antibacterial activities of Chromolaena odorata leaf extracts and some commonly used antibiotics against selected clinical bacterial isolates. Place and Duration of Study: The...
Induction and Expression of Chitinases from Four Sub Species of Bacillus thuringiensis
Chitin is a naturally occurring linear polymer of N-acetylglucosamine and the major structural component of fungal cell walls and exoskeletons of insects and arthropods. Chitinases are the enzymes that breakdown chitin t...