Assessment of the Level of Gastrointestinal Parasites Infection among Food Vendors in Minna, North Central Nigeria.
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Date
2013-10
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Abstract
Aim: This study was undertaken to access the intestinal parasitic profile of food vendors
in Minna Nigeria.
Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Minna the capital of Niger
state, North central Nigeria. Sample sizes were determined at random from the food
vendors selling ready to eat food.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from the food vendors in Minna
between June and December 2012.
Methodology: Samples were assayed for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and
formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques.
Results: This study showed that 104 samples out of 116 (89.66%) were positive for
intestinal parasites; 70 samples (67.31%) represented single infections and 34 (32.69%)
mixed infections. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were found in 11 (10.58%), Hookworm 10 (9.62%), Trichuris trichuira 4 (3.85%), Giardia duodenalis 15 (14.42%), Entamoeba
histolytica 20 (19.23%), and Taenia saginata 10 (9.62%) respectively. A significant
(p<0.05) prevalence was found in females 92 (88.46%) and in mean age of 31 – 40 years
34 (32.69%). Eggs and cysts of intestinal parasites were found more in the food samples
such as Beans portage (15.50%), Stew (6.00%), Soup (15.50%), Rice (14.00%), Salad
(20.00%), Spaghetti (12.50%) and Chinchin (20.00%) respectively.
Conclusion: High prevalence of intestinal parasites in food vendors is a matter of great
concern considering the effect which will lead to diseases outbreaks. The provision of
food safety measures focusing on personal hygiene and periodical medical check-ups is
highly advised.
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Keywords
Food vendors, intestinal parasites, personal hygiene and road side food sellers
Citation
Omalu I C J, Paul S, Adeniran L A, Hassan S C, Pam V A, Eke S S, EZE G C. Assessment of the Level of Gastrointestinal Parasites Infection among Food Vendors in Minna, North Central Nigeria. Annual Review & Research in Biology. 2013 Oct-Dec; 3(4): 705-713.