Asymptomatic Carriers of Enteric Pathogens and the Risk Factors among Food Handlers in a Rural Setting in Nigeria

Introduction: Presence of enteric pathogens in humans has been described as one of the most common challenges of developing countries.

Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from 540 randomly selected workers in the hospitality industry in Etim-Ekpo and were subjected to microscopic and bacteriological examination to detect asymptomatic carriers of enteric pathogens. A structured questionnaire was used to collect additional data from the subjects. Each of these subjects aged between 18 and 56 years, gave informed oral consent before samples were collected.

Results: The results show presence of the following enteric bacterial pathogens: Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter sp and Campylobacter sp. Intestinal parasites detected were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Taenia sp and Trichuris trichuria, cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. The distribution of the enteric pathogens was comparable among male and female subjects (p˃0.5). Putative risk factors that may have promoted transmission of these pathogens include poor personal hygiene habits, (OR 5.14, 95% CI 1.66-10.62, p = 0.01), use of local stream/river as source of domestic water supply (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.20-4.2, p = 0.01) and poor sanitation with improper facility for sewage disposal (OR 4.49, 95% CI 2.61-4.21, p = 0.03).

Discussion and Conclusion: The findings in this study bring to light the evidence that food handlers in some hospitality outlets in Etim-Ekpo are asymptomatic carriers of enteric pathogens. It is therefore advocated that food handlers in this area should be screened regularly and treated if found to harbor enteric pathogens. Promulgation and implementation of appropriate policies should be enforced in order to check the excesses of some food handlers and vendors.