Objective: To investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in employees of restaurants and cafeterias located in the Commercial Center of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, one of the oldest cities of Brazil.
Material and methods: Between August 2013 and February 2014, 42 fecal samples were collected and analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation method in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus Campus.
Results: The results were positive in 19 % of the samples. The commensal Entamoeba coli (75 %) was the most common followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (37.5 %) and Giardia lamblia (12.5 %).
Conclusions: Implementing health education measures in the city of São Mateus is suggested by providing permanent health education, as well as conducting parasitological examinations. Such actions will contribute to the improvement of health conditions of the population.