Intestinal parasites among food-handlers in Qualyobia Governorate, with reference to the pathogenic parasite blastocystis hominis

Abstract

A total of 1700 male food handlers, above 20 years of age who came for health clearance certificate were the subjects of the present study. Health assessment questionnaire was filled out on each person including dietary habits, water supply, history of diarrhoeal disease. Clinical examination and stool samples collection in 3 alternative days were performed. The food handlers were divided into symptomatic (700) and saymptomatic (1000). Different concentration methods as well as test tube culture for Strongyloides larvae were done. Samples were preserved in PVA, trichrome stained slides were examined for protozoal parasites. Nineteen percent had intestinal parasites, G. lamblia, E. histolytica, A.. lumbricoides, S. mansoni, A. duodenale, T. trichura, H. nana, St. stercoralis, E. vermicularis and mixed infection & non-pathogenic; E. coli, I. Butschlii, C. mesnilli, E. nana, T. hominis and mixed infection. Blastocystis hominis was recovered from stools of 8.5% of symptomatic and 4% of asymptomatic. 2.4% symptomatic and 2% asymptomatic had B. hominis significant infection. B hominis was considered significant if > 5 organisms per HPF was counted. Significant infection was higher among symptomatic than asymptomatic persons with detectable faecal leucocytes especially eosinophils. The authors recommended that physicians as well as diagnostic parasitologists should be aware of the potential clinical significance of B. hominis especially, when present alone in significant number, otherwise positive cases must be considered as carriers and followed up for any ill effects.