Prevalence and Effectiveness of an Education Program on Intestinal Pathogens in Food Handlers
Somwang Danchaivijitr MD*, Yong Rongrungruang MD*, Udom Kachintorn MD*, Vichai Techasathit MD**, Sumalee Pakaworavuthi RN***, Kanchana Kachintorn RN***
Affiliation : *Department of Medicine, **Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, ***Center for Nosocomial Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objectives : To assess the prevalence of intestinal pathogens and the effectiveness of an education program in
food handlers in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods : The prevalence of intestinal pathogens in food handlers was done by stool cultures for
bacteria and microscopy for parasites. Treatment was given to those who had a positive stool examination. An
education program on the acquisition of the pathogens and their prevention were given by lecture and
distribution of handouts. Efficacy of the education program was evaluated by assessing the knowledge and
the presence of pathogens before and after the education program.
Results : The study was done from January 2002 to March 2004. Risk factors for acquiring intestinal patho-
gens among food handlers were high regarding education level, housing, food hygiene and personal hygiene.
Diarrheal diseases were common in food handlers and their relatives. Before the education program, 40.8%
had intestinal pathogens, bacteria and parasites in almost similar proportions. Most common bacteria were
Vibrio parahemolyticus, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Salmonella spp.; Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lambria
and Endolimax nana were the frequently found intestinal parasites. Food handlers with the pathogens in
stool were treated. After the education program subsequent investigation showed a significant reduction in
stool pathogens and parasites but their knowledge and hand hygiene practice did not improve.
Conclusion : The present study showed a high prevalence rate of intestinal pathogens in food handlers of a
tertiary care hospital. The education program failed to improve their knowledge and hand hygiene practice
for the prevention of the pathogens.
Keywords : Intestinal pathogens, Food handlers
