[Biological analysis of workers in the food sector in north Lebanon]
1Faculté de Santé publique, Tripoli, Liban.) (Correspondance a adresser a M. Hamzb : mhamze@inco.com.lb). mhamze@inco.com.lb
Abstract:
We investigated the prevalence of bacterial and parasitic infections among workers in a pastry factory in North Lebanon in 2004. We found 39% of the workers (n = 196) had nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Resistance of S. aureus isolates was 98.7% to penicillin G, 24.7% to fusidic acid, 14.3% to pefloxacine and tetracycline, 11.7% to erythromycin, 6.5% to oxacillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Salmonella typhi was not found in any of the workers. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 57.8% (n = 308). Amoebae comprised 72.5% (68.3% Entamoeba coli, 15.5% E. histolytica), followed by flagellates (18.0 %) (37.5% Dientamoeba fragilis, 31.3% Giardia lamblia) and nematodes (7.8%) (only Ascaris lumbricoides). The tuberculin test was positive in 16.3% of the workers (n = 301).
Insights
A 2004 study in North Lebanon found high rates of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and intestinal parasite infections among pastry factory workers. Most S. aureus isolates showed resistance to common antibiotics, highlighting potential public health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Food industry workers are at risk of occupational infections.
- North Lebanon's pastry factory workers were assessed for bacterial and parasitic infections in 2004.
- Understanding pathogen prevalence is crucial for workplace safety and disease control.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi) and parasitic infections in pastry factory workers.
- To assess the antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus isolates.
- To evaluate the presence of intestinal parasites and positive tuberculin tests.
Summary:
- Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage was found in 39% of workers, with high resistance (98.7%) to penicillin G and significant resistance to other antibiotics.
- Intestinal parasites were prevalent in 57.8% of workers, primarily amoebae (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica) and flagellates (Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia lamblia).
- Salmonella typhi was not detected. A 16.3% positive tuberculin test rate suggests prior exposure to tuberculosis.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the need for improved hygiene and infection control measures in food processing environments.
- High antibiotic resistance in S. aureus poses challenges for treatment and necessitates surveillance.
- The study provides baseline data for public health interventions targeting occupational infectious diseases in Lebanon.
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