Low prevalence of Vibrio cholerae O1 versus moderate prevalence of intestinal parasites in food-handlers working with health care personnel in Haiti

Food-handlers with poor personal hygiene working in food-service establishments could be potential sources of infection due to pathogenic organisms. In May 2011, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food-handlers working with Cuban health personnel in Haiti. Stool specimens were collected from 56 food-handlers and samples were examined using standard procedures. Of the food handlers, 26.8% had one bacterial or intestinal parasite. The most prevalent species of organism found were Blastocystis spp. (9%), followed by Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa, Aeromonas spp. and Giardia intestinalis, each one with 4%. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 19.7%. Five out of 56 food handlers had diarrhea at the time the study was conducted. It was found that there was a lower prevalence of V. cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa in comparison to intestinal parasites. The study highlights the importance of the precautions that must be taken in cholera...