Occurrence of enteroparasites and thermotolerant coliforms in the hands of food handlers of a teaching hospital

Abstract Background Inappropriate food handling is the main cause of foodborne illnesses. Food handlers perform important functions to preserve the hygiene food that can be a source of transmission of various pathogens. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of intestinal parasites and microorganisms indicators of fecal contamination (thermotolerant coliforms) in the hands of food handlers of a teaching hospital in Uberaba, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Method Samples from the hands of 44 food handlers of a teaching hospital were analyzed. Thermotolerant coliforms were counted by the Most Probable Number method using samples obtained by smearing. The subungual content was subjected to parasitological analysis under microscopy. Results 15.9% (7/44) of the samples were positive for the presence of thermotolerant coliforms and 9.1% (4/44) of the subungual contents were positive for intestinal protozoa (3 Blastocystis spp. and 1 Giardia spp.). Conclusion Results indicate contamination of the food handlers’ hands and predisposition to transmission of pathogens by this route, emphasizing the importance to make food handlers aware of personal and food hygiene, as well as to apply preventive actions.