Protozoan Infections of Restaurant Workers in Tabriz, Iran

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of contamination with intestinal protozoan parasites among restaurant workers in Tabriz (center of East Azerbaijan province), Iran. Materials and Methods: To identify intestinal protozoan parasites among restaurant workers in Tabriz (East Azerbaijan province), Iran, in 2013, stool specimens were collected and examined from a total of 100 restaurant workers at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch. In the present study, the direct-smear examination, saline sedimentation, and Trichrome staining techniques were used. Results: The positivity in the majority of them was single infection; however, 4 cases were double infection that constituted 1% of the prevalence. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispor was 47.22%, Giardia lamblia 16.66%, and Entamoeba coli 36.11%. The double infection was only observed with E. histolytica/dispor and Giardia. The infection caused by these parasites was also accompanied by abdominal troubles, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Conclusion: These results lead to the understanding that sanitary measurements are not effective, and these hazardous situations facilitate the distribution of parasitic agents among consumers. The current pre-employment screening policies must be performed annually in order to be effective and systematic surveillance is needed in addition to health education.