Risk factors associated with salmonella prevalence among food vendors in southern Taraba, north-east, Nigeria

Abstract

Humans are active and asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella and food vendors play a significant role in the effective transmission of the food pathogen. This research investigated the prevalence of Salmonella along with its associated risk factors among food vendors in Donga, Ibi, Takum, and Wukari towns. Using standard microbiological procedures and techniques, blood and stool samples was obtained from 200 mobile and stationed food vendors. Upon analysis, 22 out of the collected samples were positive giving a record prevalence of 11%. Six (6) (Donga 0; Ibi 3; Takum 1; Wukari 2) of the positive samples were of the Typhoidal serovar. Apart from Ibi and Takum which recorded 4 positive cases each from the 16 isolated Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) from food handlers, the highest (5) isolates were from Donga, while the lowest was from Wukari with a total of 3 positive isolates. Poor food-handling training as well as unprofessional food handling attitude and practices observed among food handlers were identified as significant risk factors associated with the prevalence of Salmonella infection among this population. Hence, deliberate efforts should be initiated by Local Health Authorities in regulating the activities of food vendors by way of periodic medical screening of food handlers. Also, community-driven health promotion practices including behavioral change communication geared towards preventing microbial contamination of foods should be considered.