Revista de terapia y enfermedades infecciosas

Abstracto

Bacterial Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern among Food Handlers at Gondar University Cafeteria, Northwest Ethiopia

Mulat Dagnew, Moges Tiruneh, Feleke Moges and Mucheye Gizachew

Background: Salmonellosis and shigellosis remain a major public health problem across the globe. The problem is severe in developing countries due to difficulties in securing optimal hygienic food handling practices. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Salmonella, Shigella other public health important bacteria and their susceptibility pattern, and hygienic practice of the food handlers among food handlers at the University of Gondar student’s cafeteria.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted. Serum, stool and finger nail swabs were investigated in respective of the procedure for Salmonella, Shigella and other public health important bacteria following standard laboratory procedures.   Results: Of 300 food handlers, 256 (85.3%) were females. Only 27.5% of the food handlers knew that infected food handlers are risk for food contamination. Eight (2.7%) Shigella species and 4 (1.3%) Salmonella Typhi were isolated from stool cultures of food handlers. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant bacteria species (33%) isolated from finger nail bed, followed by S. aureus (16%), E. coli (2.67%). and Klebsiella species (1.67%). All isolated Salmonella Typhi were resistant to chloramphenicol (100%). All Shigella species were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Three (6.3%) of S.aureus isolates were resistant for methicilin.   Conclusion: Isolation of Salmonella, Shigella and other public health important bacteria from food handlers may pose significant risk on the consumers. Therefore, it is essential for University of Gondar to implement food handlers training on food safety, conduct periodic medical checkup and continuous monitoring of personal hygiene.