Investigation of Faecal-Oral Transmitted Parasites in Communal Toilets

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the parasites transmitted by the faecal-oral route in community toilets and to investigate the personal hygiene habits of the users of these toilets. Materials and Methods: Swab samples were collected from water containers, door handles, faucet heads, and sink rims (n=24) used in common toilets for anal area cleaning. DNA was isolated from these samples using the DNeasy PowerSoil kit and real-time PCR analysis was performed using parasite-specific primer-probes. A survey was also conducted to determine the personal hygiene habits of students using the toilets, including questions such as hand washing and flushing. Results: In the samples from water containers used for cleaning the anus area in toilets (n=24), 8.3% (2/24) of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), 12.5% (3/24) of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) and 16.7% (4/24) of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) were found. While 4.2% (1/24) of E. histolytica were detected on door handles, 8.3% (2/24) of G. lamblia and 8.3% (2/24) of C. parvum were detected. While 12.5% /3/24) of C. parvum and 4.2% (1/24) of G. lamblia were detected in taps heads, E. histolytica could be detected. Only 4.2% (1/24) of C. parvum were detected at the edges of the sink. According to the survey results, it was found that girls paid more attention to hand washing and toilet flushing than boys (p<0.05), and it was found that these hygiene habits were first acquired in the family (p<0.05). However, it was found that students were not sufficiently informed about the possibility of contracting diseases through shared toilet facilities. Conclusion: Community toilets in large centers such as schools and hospitals play an important role in the transmission of fecal-oral parasites and the spread of intestinal parasitic diseases. However, families play the first role in helping people to adopt personal hygiene habits in toilets.