Intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in the holy city of Makkah during hajj season 1428 hegira (2007G)‎

Abstract EN

In the Holy City of Makkah, during Hajj "season 1428 Hegira 504, (2007)" food handlers from twenty one countries were investigated for the infection of intestinal parasites.

Stool samples were examined by direct smear techniques; Ritchie concentration technique and trichrome permanent staining technique.

Intestinal parasites were detected in 31.94 % of food handlers.

Fifteen different intestinal parasites were identified; Trichuris trichiura (10.70 %), Blastocystis hominis (9.33 %), Hook worms (7.54 %).

Endolimax nana (6.15 %), Entamoeba coli (4.37%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.78).

Giardia lamblia (1.98%), Entamoeba hartmanni (1.79 %))Schistosoma mansoni (1.59 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.00 %) Iodamoeba buetschlii (0.8 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8 %), Hymenolepis nana (0.6 %), Dientamoeba fragilis (0.2 %) and Enterobius vermicularis 0.2 %.

In conclusion, the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections suggest ; stool analysis for intestinal parasites should be periodically carried out in addition to the sanitation education and health special care for food handlers working in Makkah.

This study is the first during the Hajj season to investigate distribution of intestinal parasites among food handlers in The Holy City of Makkah.