Assessment of Parasitic Contamination and Associated Hygienic Practices in Local and Modern Restaurants across Selected Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Bacterial contamination of food-handling environments remains an important public health concern. This study evaluated parasitic contamination associated with food handlers and food-contact environments in selected local and modern restaurants across Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was conducted within four Local Government Areas (LGAs): Igabi, Chikun, Kaduna North, and Kaduna South. A total of 240 samples, comprising hand swabs, utensil swabs, and hand-washing water, were collected from selected restaurants using standard aseptic procedures. Parasitological investigations were performed using standard microscopic examination techniques to detect and identify intestinal parasites. The findings revealed a substantially higher prevalence and diversity of intestinal parasites in local restaurants than in modern restaurants. Cryptosporidium spp. recorded the highest prevalence with 18 (60%) occurrences in local restaurants within Igabi LGA, followed by 15 (50%) occurrences in Kaduna North and 12 (40%) occurrences in Kaduna South. Giardia lamblia occurred in 14 (46.6%) samples from Igabi and 12 (40%) samples from Kaduna North local restaurants, while Entamoeba spp. were detected in 11 (36.6%) and 10 (33.3%) samples from Igabi and Kaduna North, respectively. Helminthic parasites including Ascaris spp. (8; 26.6%), Ancylostoma spp. (4; 13.3%), Fasciola hepatica (3; 10%), and Echinococcus granulosus (2; 6.6%) were detected at lower frequencies, predominantly in local restaurants. Overall, Igabi LGA recorded the highest parasitic burden, whereas Chikun LGA had the lowest prevalence. Inadequate hygiene, poor environmental sanitation, and contaminated water sources contributed significantly to parasitic contamination in the local restaurants. Improved hygiene and sanitation practices are recommended to reduce parasite transmission.