Research article

The risk of pathogenic intestinal parasite infections in Kisii Municipality, Kenya

Robert M Nyarango^1,2 , Peninah A Aloo² , Ephantus W Kabiru³ and Benson O Nyanchongi^1,4

¹Department of Health Sciences, Gusii Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 222-40200 Kisii, Kenya

²Department of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University P.O. Box 43844-01000 Nairobi, Kenya

³Department of Clinical Pathology, Kenyatta University P.O. Box 43844-0100 Nairobi, Kenya

⁴Department of Experimental Medicine and Public Health, Via Camillo Lili n. 55-62032 Camerino (MC), Italy

author email corresponding author email

BMC Public Health 2008, 8:237doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-237

Published:	14 July 2008

Abstract

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections worldwide. Various epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is high especially in developing countries, although in many of these, the environmental risk factors have not been clearly elucidated. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of pathogenic intestinal parasites infections in Kisii Municipality.

Methods

Random sampling was used in the selection of the study samples. Stool parasitological profiles of food handlers were done by direct smear and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation method. Both vegetable and meat samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. The storage and meat handling practices of the various butcheries were observed.

Results

Types of samples examined for occurrence of intestinal parasites includes, a total of 84 vegetable, 440 meat and 168 stool samples. Fifty five (65.5%) vegetable, 334 (75.9%) meat and 69 (41.1%) of the stool samples were found positive for intestinal parasites indicating a high overall risk (66.18%) for intestinal parasite infections. Of the parasites detected, the most common parasites infesting the foodstuffs and infecting the food handlers were Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica. Parasites were significantly less likely to be present on meat that was refrigerated during display than meat that was displayed at ambient temperature.

Conclusion

There is a high risk of infection with intestinal parasites in the sampled Municipal markets. About half of the food handlers surveyed (41.1 %) at the Municipal Hospital had one or more parasitic infections. Furthermore, meat (65.5%) and vegetables (75.9%) sold at the Municipal market were found to be contaminated with parasites hence the inhabitants requires a need for education on food safety, good distribution practices and improvement on sanitary conditions.