Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in asymptomatic food workers.

OBJECTIVE Cryptosporidium spp. is obligatory intracellular parasite and causes intestinal infection. In intestine infections in the form of sporadic and epidemics, food and accordingly workers in food sector may play a role as the source of infection. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the existence of asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis. METHODS In the study, stool samples of 393 workers -employed at various branches of food sector in the region of Van- are used. In order to detect Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, Modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) Staining was used. RESULTS In this study, asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis has been detected in 5 (1.27%) of 393 workers. CONCLUSION Epidemiological findings indicate that food workers can be source of cryptosporidiosis outbreak. Thus, searching for the existence of asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis food workers -which epidemiologically has potential significance- and taking the required measures in case of its determination are significant in respect of public health.