The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and NasalS. aureusCarriage among Food Handlers

Food handlers play a major role in the transmission of foodborne diseases. NasalStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)carriage and intestinal parasitism are important risk factors in contamination. The purpose of the authors’ study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and nasalS. aureuscarriage among food handlers in Manisa, Turkey. The authors investigated 8,895 people for nasal S. aureus carriage and intestinal parasites. Nasal swab materials and stool samples were examined, and anal cellophane band method was performed. The authors found thatS. aureuswas isolated in 69 (0.77%) samples. AllS. aureusstrains were oxacilline sensitive. Intestinal parasites were found in 784 (8.8%) samples. The most common parasites wereEntamoeba histolytica(69.9%) andGiardia intestinalis(24.6%). The authors conclude that food handlers should be screened and treated from time to time and that a periodic program of health education on food safety and hygiene should be given.