Abstract:
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections occur mainly as a result of bad
hygienic conditions. The objective of this study was to detect HAV
among food handlers working in cafeterias in Khartoum Province. The
study was conducted during the period from June to September 2013.
Food
handlers
Technology
working
cafeterias
in
were
Sudan
included
University
in
this
of
Science
study.
A
and
pretested
structured questionnaire was used for collecting demographic data.
Blood samples were collected from each participant, both sex's (males
and females); serum was prepared from each blood sample. Enzyme
linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Anti-HAV IgM and
IgG antibodies.
Out of the 90 food handlers (73 males and 17 females) who took part in
this study, 89 (98.8%) were positive for anti-HAV IgG, 73 (81%) form
males and 16 (17.8%) from females. Moreover, only 4 (4.4%) were
positive for anti-HAV IgM, 2(2.2%) form males and 2 (2.2%) from
females.
From
the
above
findings,
the
study
concluded
that,
there
is
asymptomatic individuals indicate that the HAV circulate at low but
considerable
levels
especially
among
food
handlers;
that
may
be
a source of outbreak. Confirmation of Hepatitis A positive food
handlers
should
be
tested
polymerase
chain
reaction
is
highly
recommended. Further study with large number of blood samples is
required to validate the results of the present study.
