AU - Ifeadike, C AU - Ironkwe, O AU - Adogu, P. O. U. AU - Nnebue, C AU - Emelumadu, O AU - Nwabueze, S AU - Ubajaka, C TI - Prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria PT - ORIG DP - 2012 Jul 1 TA - Nigerian Medical Journal PG - 166-171 VI - 53 IP - 3 4099- https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2012;volume=53;issue=3;spage=166;epage=171;aulast=Ifeadike;type=0 4100- https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2012;volume=53;issue=3;spage=166;epage=171;aulast=Ifeadike AB - Background: In developing countries, biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food, water, nails, and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly, food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects' stool, urine, and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8%), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9%), Staphylococcus aureus(7.1%), Klebsiella species (2.4%), Serratia species (1.2%), Citrobacter species (1.2%), and Enterococcus species (1.8%). The subjects' stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9%), T. trichuria (1.8%), S. starcolaris (3.0%), E. histolytica (10.7%), G. lambilia (1.8%), S. mansoni (1.2%), and Taenia species (4.8%). Furthermore, 42.3% and 15.5% of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species, respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness, and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices.