Magnitude of Enteropathogens and Associated Factors Among Apparently Health Food Handlers at Wolkite University Student’s Cafeteria, Wolkite, South Ethiopia

Abstract Abstract Objectives: The study aimed to assess enteropathogens carriage rate, and risk factors among apparently healthy food handlers at Wolkite University cafeteria, South Ethiopia. Results: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 food handlers to collect socio-demographic and related data by using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were collected and subjected to microscopic examination and cultured to determine intestinal parasites. Among the total study participants, 66% of them were found to be carriers of enteropathogens: bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Shigella species), and intestinal parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides,Taenia species, Giardia lamblia, Entameoba histolytica/dispar, Enterobius vermicularis, Hook worm and Trichuris trichiura. All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. Age, job description, non medical checkup and hand washing practice before food preparation have a significant association with eneropathogens. Significant proportion of food handlers was found to be carriers of pathogens which require a periodic screening and antibiotic consumption monitoring. Keywords: Food handlers, Intestinal parasites, Salmonella, Shigella