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Salmonella carriers among expatriate workers in Al-Qatif area.

BACKGROUND
Salmonella infection and diarrhoeal diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. All expatriates applying for work permits in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have to undergo a governmental compulsory health check program.


AIM OF THE STUDY
To estimate the number of salmonella carriers who had previously been diagnosed as free of infection.


SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Over a period of two years, a total of 17, 918 workers in Al-Qatif area, in the Eastern Province were tested for salmonella on stool samples.


RESULTS
Three hundred and twenty eight were found to be asymptomatic carriers of salmonella. The highest frequency was found among workers from Egypt (13.1 %) while Filipinos and Indians were the lowest carriers (1.2%). Salmonella serogroups E, C 1 and C2 were most common ( 29%, 29% and 23.5% respectively) followed by serogroups B, D and C (13%, 3.7% and 1% respectively). No Shigella species were isolated. All carriers were given antibiotics and were instructed in prophylactic hygiene measures. After completing the course of antibiotics, they were retested and found to be clear of infection.


CONCLUSION
The health check system in this area will contribute towards the prevention of outbreaks of infection by salmonella.