Ashagre Agenagnew, Misganaw Tadesse, Abebe Wagaw, Dejazmach Zelalem, Amare Gashaw Azanaw, Wondmagegn Yenesew Mihret, Worku Kassahun Misgana, Adugna Adane, Ahmed Hassen, Gedifie Solomon, Kumie Getinet, Nigatie Marye, Jemal Abdu, Kasahun Woldeteklehaimanot, Ayana Sisay, Asmare Zelalem, Gashaw Yalewayker, Getachew Ermias, Gashaw Muluken, Sisay Assefa, Tadesse Selamyhun, Abate Biruk Beletew, Kidie Atitegeb Abera, Reta Melesse Abate
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, P.O. box 400, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
Acta Parasitol. 2025 Jan 4;70(1):3. doi: 10.1007/s11686-024-00968-y.
Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant public health concern, especially among food handlers, who can transmit these infections to the public through food preparation and handling. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in the East African region.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers involved a comprehensive search across various databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and the institution's library registers. Forty relevant articles were identified and analyzed using STATA Software version 17.0. Sensitivity analysis, publication bias assessment with Egger's test, and the Trim-and-fill meta-analysis for bias adjustment were conducted. Heterogeneity across the studies was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic and I statistics, and subgroup analysis computed for significant heterogeneity (I value ≥ 50%). A random effect model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.
The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers was 32.27% (95% CI 27.90-36.65). The most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 20.83% (95% CI 13.66-28%), Ascaris lumbricoides 13.84% (95% CI 10-17.68%), Giardia lamblia 8.55% (95% CI 6.03-11.06%), and hookworm 6.43% (95% CI 3.93-8.93%). Using a common knife for cutting raw meat (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.21-4.31), food handler's untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.50-2.78), and no hand washing practices with soap after using the toilet (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.33-3.18) were associated with higher rates of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers.
Parasitic infections among food handlers were found to be significantly prevalent. Factors contributing to this high prevalence included food handlers' untrimmed fingernails, poor hand hygiene practices, and using a shared knife for chopping various food items, including raw meat. These findings emphasize the need for proper personal hygiene and sanitation practices among food handlers to prevent transmitting parasitic infections to consumers.
肠道寄生虫感染是一个重大的公共卫生问题，尤其是在食品处理人员中，他们可通过食品制备和处理将这些感染传播给公众。本系统评价和荟萃分析旨在确定东非地区食品处理人员肠道寄生虫感染的合并患病率及相关因素。
对食品处理人员肠道寄生虫感染进行系统评价和荟萃分析，全面检索了多个数据库，包括Scopus、PubMed、ScienceDirect、谷歌学术以及该机构的图书馆馆藏目录。共识别出40篇相关文章，并使用STATA软件17.0版进行分析。进行了敏感性分析、用Egger检验评估发表偏倚以及用Trim-and-fill荟萃分析进行偏倚调整。使用Cochran's Q统计量和I统计量评估研究间的异质性，并对显著异质性（I值≥50%）进行亚组分析。采用随机效应模型确定肠道寄生虫感染的合并患病率。
食品处理人员肠道寄生虫感染的合并患病率为32.27%（95%可信区间27.90 - 36.65）。最常见的寄生虫为溶组织内阿米巴/迪氏内阿米巴，占20.83%（95%可信区间13.66 - 28%），蛔虫占13.84%（95%可信区间10 - 17.68%），蓝氏贾第鞭毛虫占8.55%（95%可信区间6.03 - 11.06%），钩虫占6.43%（95%可信区间3.93 - 8.93%）。使用同一把刀切割生肉（比值比 = 2.27，95%可信区间1.21 - 4.31）、食品处理人员指甲未修剪（比值比 = 2.14，95%可信区间1.50 - 2.78）以及便后不使用肥皂洗手（比值比 = 2.25，95%可信区间1.33 - 3.18）与食品处理人员肠道寄生虫感染率较高相关。
发现食品处理人员中的寄生虫感染显著流行。导致这种高流行率的因素包括食品处理人员指甲未修剪、手部卫生习惯差以及使用同一把刀切碎包括生肉在内的各种食品。这些发现强调了食品处理人员需要采取适当的个人卫生和环境卫生措施，以防止将寄生虫感染传播给消费者。
