The carriage of intestinal parasites among food handlers: Current status in Tunisia and contribution of surveillance

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Published Feb 15, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i12.6240
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Vol. 103 No. 12 (2025): Tunis Med Dec 2025

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Emna Siala
Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Research Laboratory 16-IPT-06 “Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology, and Biomolecules,” Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
Ines Cherif
Laboratory of Medical Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
Najet Zallega
Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
Aïda Bouratbine
Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Research Laboratory 16-IPT-06 “Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology, and Biomolecules,” Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
Karim Aoun
Laboratory of Parasitic Epidemiology and Ecology, Research Laboratory 16-IPT-06 “Medical Parasitology, Biotechnology, and Biomolecules,” Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia

Abstract

Food handlersare a significant source of intestinal parasite transmission. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasite carriage among food handlers and to track its evolution.


A retrospective study was conductedbetween 2019 and 2024 among food handlersin the framework of screening for intestinal parasitosis. A stool sample was collected from each individualand analyzed by direct microscopy and concentration using the Ritchie method.


A total of 3866 individuals were included in the study, among whom 425 (11%) revealed carriers of intestinal parasites. This prevalence was significantly lower than that reported in a similar surveybetween the 1998-2008 period (13.5%, p<10-3). The rate of intestinal parasites was higher among private sector employees (12.6% vs. 10.6% in the public sector), without significant difference. Protozoa were predominant (98.3%) compared to helminths (1.7%).Directly transmitted pathogenic or potentially pathogenic species accounted for 76.3% of diagnosed parasites.Blastocystis sp. was the most prevalent parasite (40.5%). Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia intestinalisand Entamoeba histolytica/disparaccounted for 27.5%, 3.8% and 3.5% of identified parasites, respectively. Nearly one-third (30.6%) of infected individuals were polyparasitized.


Despite its decrease, the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis remains high among food handlers.


The surveillance of this population should be strengthened through frequent screening, more stool samples and the implementation of sensitive techniques.

Keywords:

Intestinal parasites, food handlers, screening, Tunisia

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