Factors Affecting Parasite Infestation and Most Common Parasites from Food Handlers in Eateries at Bankerohan Public Market

Avee Joy   B. Dayaganon,; Jemimah Keziah   C. Española,; Dawn Marie  A. Gallego ,; Dinah Emelie   G. Sanchez,

Factors Affecting Parasite Infestation and Most Common Parasites from Food Handlers in Eateries at Bankerohan Public Market

Avee Joy B. Dayaganon | Jemimah Keziah C Española | Dawn Marie A Gallego | Dinah Emelie G Sanchez

Abstract:

Parasites are any living things that live in or on another organism. The parasite, which may spend all or only part of its existence with the host, obtains food and/or shelter from the host and contributes nothing to its welfare. This study aimed to identify the most common parasite that is acquired by food handlers at Bankerohan Public Market, Davao City. The respondents were given stool containers for random sampling. Survey questionnaire was given to the respondents to determine their health status and hygienic and food preparation practices. Direct Fecal Smear (DFS) and Formalin Ether Concentration Technique (FECT) were the methods used for the determination of the presence of parasites through microscopic examination. Data revealed that 23.53% of the total numbers of respondents were positive using Direct Fecal Smear, and 35.29% of them were diagnosed the same using Formalin Ether Concentration Technique (FECT). Results showed that Hookworm, Giargia lamblia, Trichiuris trichura, Endolimax nana. Ascaris lumbricoides and Blastocystis hominis are the gastrointestinal parasites detected using the two methods of examinations. Of these, the rate of hookworm was the highest with infection rate of 5.88% using DFS and 11.76% using FECT, while cases of A.lumbricoides infection were also high at 5.88% using DFS and 8.82% using FECT. The researchers recommend that health sectors should strictly implement proper sanitation practices upon food handling and continue disseminate information about proper waste disposal to educate the community and strengthen the awareness regarding the occurrence of parasitic infection. Likewise, it is suggested that the barangay health workers should augment their health education and hold free consultation to food handlers regarding proper handling of foods that could greatly affect overall health of their consumers.