We studied the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a random sample of immigrants and Italians employed in the food industry. Prevalence ranged from 20.8% among immigrants to 5.6% among Italians. Where helminths are widespread among Indochinese, protozoa are more common among africans. Three cases of Entamoeba histolytica in asymptomatic subjects were identified and successfully treated. We observed high levels of Giardia intestinalis both in Italians (2.2%) and immigrants (3.9%). Prevalence of intestinal protozoa was significantly associated with year of immigration, showing higher levels for new immigrants. The public health implications of parasite screening and treatment among recent immigrants were also discussed.

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food industry Sampling Studies human epidemiology Asia comparative study ethnology Cross-Sectional Studies Humans cross-sectional study South America Africa Article migration intestine infection Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic Emigration and Immigration Italy Food-Processing Industry food handling