Prevalence of Salmonellosis among Food Handlers and the Health Implications on the Food Consumers in Lagos State, Nigeria

Food borne diseases/illnesses (food borne infections) are global public health problem both in developed and developing countries such as Nigeria. Food handlers play an important role in the transmission of food-borne diseases. This research work is aimed to determine the prevalence of salmonellosis among food handlers and its implications on the health of food consumers in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty five (235) blood samples were collected into EDTA bottles from the food handlers at various locations in Victoria Island (Lagos Island) and Bariga (Lagos mainland) which were analyzed using standard methods. Questionnaires were distributed and collated among 235 respondents (food handlers) to test their knowledge on food safety. The results showed that 74 (31.5%) of the studied population had either previous or recent Salmonella infection as indicated by IgG and IgM anti-Salmonella immunoglobulin while 161 (68.5%) had neither recent nor previous infection. Ninety three (93) respondents were males while One hundred and forty two (142) were females of active working age bracket of 11- 60 years old. Among 93 males screened, 26(28.0%) were infected, 67(72.0%) were not infected while 48(33.8%) females were infected out of 142 females screened for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi infections. Regression and T-test statistical analysis reviewed that since F cal>F tab (1.776>0.969) and t cal>t tab (6.5>5.0), it can be concluded that food handlers were not responsible for food borne infections but potential risk factors in Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria.