INVESTIGATION OF THE PRESENCE OF FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS IN PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN ISTANBUL AND EVALUATION OF HYGIENE PRACTICES

Abstract

In this study, indiviual and demongraphic variables as age, gender, social economics situation of 400 students (in 10 schools) who were included to sepcial education programs (for Down syndrom, otism, hiperactivity and dyslexia) were explored for some important foodborne pathogens (plate count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Bacillus cereus olmak üzere) in different schoold that were located in Istanbul. Besides possible contamination sources as contact surfaces, equipments, hands of the students / staff of the schools, drinking / domestic water and foods that were served in schools were analysed for important foodborne pathogens. According to the results, it was detected that analyzed variables were found to be positive in different concentrations for all the microbiologic parameter. It is thought that to be gained individual hiygien applications to the students who are included to special education programsa re very important to prevent possible infections. Besides it was also concluded that sustainable education programs which will be applied by realted government agencies to both students (who have learning ability) and staff would be very useful for preventing possible outbreaks and incresing life quality.