Prevalence of Giardiasis among Food Handlers at Sabrin Market- Karary Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Intestinal giardia, a common pathogenic protozoan with prevalence 2%-5% in developed and 10% 50% in developing countries annually. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted at Sabrin Market, Karary Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan, aiming to measure the prevalence of giardiasis among food handlers in all food premises, 182 participants randomly selected. Questionnaire, observation, and laboratory testing were used for data collection. Results: Results revealed a high giardiasis prevalence of 68.1% among food handlers, with most cases (44.4%) in cafeterias, (36.3%) popular food venues and (19.3%) in restaurants. Notably, 92.7% of infected handlers were in the cyst stage. About 56.6% of handlers were aware of giardiasis, and 17.6% reported previous infection of the giardiasis.  Hygiene practices varied among the study population, with 11% not washing hands at all, 87.4% not wearing gloves, 63.7% lacked head covers, and 42.4% did not wear clean aprons. (39.6%) with dirty and uncut nails, (58.8%) wear accessories. Additionally, (29.1%) were smokers and significant number (69.1%) do not have valid health card. Environmental conditions were also poor; about (96.8%) of food premises lacked latrines, and 79% were not equipped with sinks. Among those with sinks, 84.6% did not have soap. House flies were present in 85.5% of the premises, and 80.6% had other insects like cockroaches.Giardiasis prevalence revealed a significant association with factors such as sex, age, educational level, income, knowledge, and hand washing practices. Conclusion: we concluded that poor hygiene practices, lack of latrines, insufficient sinks, inadequate knowledge, and lack of facilities contributed to the high giardiasis prevalence. Recommendations treating the infected, establishing latrines, providing sinks with detergents for utensils and hands washing. Improving facilities, enforcing hygiene regulations, and enhancing knowledge about giardiasis among food handlers.