The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Food Handlers in Gorgan, Iran

Background and objectives: Food handlers could be the main sources ofintestinal parasite transmission in case of not observing the hygienic rules.Contamination can be decreased by screening food handlers through physicalexam and laboratory tests. The aim of this study was determining theprevalence of intestinal parasites in 2010.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out on 500randomly selected individuals engaged in different food related careers. Afterfilling out the questionnaire sheets, two specimens of feces were collectedfrom each person and tested by brine 30% (floatation) and direct methods.Result: The results show that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is 6%.The highest prevalence is relateted to Giardia lamblia ( 17 ; 4.3%) and thelowest to Hymenolepis nana ( 3 ; 0.6%). in the age group of 60-51 years(11.8%) and individuals who just able to read and write (7.4%) The highestpercentage is observed. The Most contamination is reported in butchery staff(25%) and the lowest in people worked in butler's pantry, without parasiticinfections.Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections are highrelatively, especially pathogenic protozoan; therefore, it is important be carefulabout health status of these individuals and their role in the spread ofpollution.Key words: Intestinal Parasites, Food Handlers, Prevalence, Gorgan