Environmental Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Personal and Environmental Hygiene Practices of Mothers in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Personal and Environmental Hygiene Practices of Mothers in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Faktor Penentu Kejadian Stunting pada Anak Balita di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Natarandang Kabupaten Ngada

Stunting is a condition of growth failure in children under five where the length or height of the child is too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition. Malnutrition can occur since the baby is in the womb and only appears after two years of age. This study aims to analyze what factors influence the incidence of stunting in children under five years of age in the working area of Puskesmas Natarandang, Ngada Regency. This type of research is an analytic survey with a Case-Control Study research design. The sample size was 98 toddlers selected by proportional stratified reandom sampling. Data analysis used was univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis with chi square test and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the factors that influenced the incidence of stunting were the mother's education level (p=0.001), mother's occupation (p=0.000), family size (p=0.000), level of maternal nutritional knowledge (p=0.000), history of illness (p=0.002), feeding practices (p=0.000), health care practices (p=0.008) and environmental hygiene and santation practices (p=0.000), while the factor that did not affect the incidence of stunting was the family income level (p=1.000). The determinants of stunting were environmental hygiene and sanitation practices (OR=16.658) feeding practices (OR=9.217) and the level of maternal nutritional knowledge (OR=7.191). Stunting is a condition of growth failure in children under five where the length or height of the child is too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition. Malnutrition can occur since the baby is in the womb and only appears after two years of age. This study aims to analyze what factors influence the incidence of stunting in children under five years of age in the working area of Puskesmas Natarandang, Ngada Regency. This type of research is an analytic survey with a Case-Control Study research design. The sample size was 98 toddlers selected by proportional stratified reandom sampling. Data analysis used was univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis with chi square test and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that the factors that influenced the incidence of stunting were the mother's education level (p=0.001), mother's occupation (p=0.000), family size (p=0.000), level of maternal nutritional knowledge (p=0.000), history of illness (p=0.002), feeding practices (p=0.000), health care practices (p=0.008) and environmental hygiene and santation practices (p=0.000), while the factor that did not affect the incidence of stunting was the family income level (p=1.000). The determinants of stunting were environmental hygiene and sanitation practices (OR=16.658) feeding practices (OR=9.217) and the level of maternal nutritional knowledge (OR=7.191).

Health education: A vital tool in changing environmental hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices among food handlers in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi

BackgroundEnvironmental hygiene in food establishments is an important determinant of health. Health education package using combination of strategies is essential in preventing cross-contamination. ObjectiveTo determine change in environmental hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices among food handlers following implementation of health education intervention. MethodsA before and after interventional study was conducted on 111 food handlers of food establishments in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi in 2021–22. Tool based on WHO & FSSAI guidelines was prepared with a scoring system to rate environmental hygiene knowledge (0–12), attitudes (0–10) and practices (0–12) including cleaning of surfaces, pest control, waste disposal & segregation, packaging of food along with utensil washing steps (0–10). Health education was given and scores on same tool were reassessed after 8 weeks of intervention. Nail bed swabs were taken as an indicator of bacteriological contamination. ResultsThe differences of mean scores of knowledge, attitudes and practices before & after intervention were statistically significant differences of 9.95 ± 0.95, 8.02 ± 0.68 and 7.91 ± 1.16 respectively (p < 0.05) while utensil washing practices before and after intervention were 2.78 ± 0.59 & 6.77 ± 0.74 with statistically significant difference of 3.99 ± 0.85. Before intervention, pathogenic organisms were isolated in nail bed swabs of 91 % of study participants while after intervention it was 12.6 %. Common species isolated were Klebsiella spp. (55.5 %), E. coli (15.9 %), Staphylococcus spp. (10.9 %) and Acinetobacter spp. (9.9). ConclusionImprovement in environmental hygiene KAP emphasizes need of ensuring implementation of existing guidelines. Thus, health education using planned combination of channels and strategies can achieve desired change.

Public Health Implications of Cholera- a Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Related Infectious Disease in the Era of Climate Change: The Nigeria Experience

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) play key roles in management of infectious diseases like cholera and other waterborne diseases; given that millions of people globally have no access to safe water. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 7 communities of Ogoni region (Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme LGAs), Orashi region (Abua/Odual, Ahoada West, Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGAs) and Obolo region (Andoni LGA) all in Rivers State, Nigeria, enrolled 274 inhabitants comprising 164 females and 110 males. These included persons passing watery stools accompanied with vomiting, abdominal cramps and those with such prehistory. Questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data. A total of 274 faecal samples were collected and transported in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium to Rivers State University Teaching Hospital laboratory; and inoculated on Thiosulphate sulphate citrate bile salt-sucrose agar. Gram staining and biochemical tests were performed using standard procedures. Among the 274 subjects, 40 were infected giving a prevalence rate of 14.6%, including 26(15.9%) females and 14(12.7%) males though this was statistically insignificant, (U=8738.000, p=0.474). On educational levels, those who attended secondary schools had the highest prevalence rate (26.3%), compared with others and it was statistically significant, (p=0.00). WASH perceived predisposing factor showed the prevalence rate among those without access to safe water was 33(21.6%) against those with access to safe water 7(5.8%) and was statistically significant, (p=0.00). Subjects engaged in routine environmental sanitation and hygiene practices had lower prevalence 7(7.6%) than their counterparts, 33(18.1%), p=0.02. Respondents who think climate change had a positive impact on cholera transmission had prevalence of 34(23.3%) against those who disagreed, 6(4.7%), which was statistically significant. The study deduced that unavailability of safe drinking water, climate change, and unhygienic practices were major predisposing factors to cholera infection. Provision of safe water is advocated as greater percentage of the communities lacked access to safe drinking water. Routine environmental sanitation exercise should be revisited and enforced.

The Influence of Parenting Patterns, Diarrhea Diseases and Infections on the Incidence of Stunting Toddlers in Poor Families in Medan City

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Stunting is a long-term reflection of inadequate food quality and quantity and frequent childhood infections, especially in low economic conditions or poor families. This study aims to analyze the effect of parenting patterns on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, food preparation, environmental hygiene and sanitation practices, caring for children when sick, infectious diseases of diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection on the incidence of stunting in toddlers in poor families in Medan City. This research method used a case-control approach. This study was conducted in the Medan City area from November 2022 to December 2023. The study sample population was 364. The study sample was 105 children from poor families by comparing the number of samples in the case group and control samples, namely 35 samples in the case group and 70 in the control group. The sampling technique was carried out using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire in the form of an interview. The incidence of stunting in children was obtained from the measurement of children's height using a toddler height meter. Data collection used primary data through questionnaires and secondary data through Child Identity Card book data. Data analysis with descriptive univariate analysis, bivariate analysis with chi-square test and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. data processing using SPSS software version 16.0. The results showed that there was a significant influence between breastfeeding and complementary feeding (p-value 0.006) and environmental sanitation hygiene practices (p-value = 0.017) on the incidence of stunting in toddlers from poor families. The dominant factor influencing the incidence of stunting in Medan City is the factor of breastfeeding and complementary feeding that is not good has a risk of 3.473 times experiencing stunting compared to children with good breastfeeding and complementary feeding. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords: Parenting, Poor Family, Stunting, Toddler&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;

“From Preparation to Consumption.” Food Safety Practices among Public Food Handler’s in Enugu Metropolis

Background Increased demand for public prepared food with numerous food handlers creates uncertainties in the quality of safe foods and possible food contamination. This study aimed to ascertain the food safety hygiene practices and associated factors among public food handlers in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 400 public food handlers in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria. Samples were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed using proportion, mean and multiple regression. Statistical significance was set at &lt; 0.05. Results The mean age of respondents were 31.16 ± 8.242 years. About two – thirds, 66.5% of respondents were found to have good knowledge of food hygiene safety practices. The overall food safety hygiene practice mean score was 80.10 ± 10.25 with 70.5% showing good practice. Environmental safety hygiene had good practice of 35.0% and mean score of 24.17 ± 2.29. The factors which statistically significantly predicted overall food safety practices, F (11, 388) = 42.957, P &lt; 0.0001, R2 = 0.536 were educational level (β = 0.148, C.I = 0.860 – 3.082), knowledge level (β = 8.594, C.I = 5.635 – 8.979) and safety trainings (β = 0.517, C.I = 4.102 – 5.474). Conclusion There was good knowledge of food safety hygiene practices with high mean scores except on environmental safety hygiene practices component. Safety training, knowledge level and educational level were the predictors of good practices. Frequent trainings are most needed to prevent or control food contamination and consequent food borne diseases.

Biosecurity Measures, Bacterial Prevalence and Economic Implications of Environmental Mastitis and Hygienic Milking Practices on an Egyptian Dairy Farm

Biosecurity Measures, Bacterial Prevalence and Economic Implications of Environmental Mastitis and Hygienic Milking Practices on an Egyptian Dairy Farm

The Relationship between Environmental Hygiene Practices and Community Awareness Related to Dengue Outbreaks in Alor Setar, Malaysia

The Relationship between Environmental Hygiene Practices and Community Awareness Related to Dengue Outbreaks in Alor Setar, Malaysia

Comparative Study to assess Environmental sanitation practices and its effect on health among people residing at selected rural and urban area of Rahata taluka

Background: Environment sanitation is one of the determinant of quality of life and necessary for human development. Safe water and basic sanitation is of crucial important for promotion of health and prevention of health illness/issues. The aim of sanitation system is to protect human health by providing a clean environment that will stop transmission of diseases. Objectives: 1) to assess the environmental sanitation practices and its effect on health among selected urban population. 2) To assess the environmental sanitation practices and its effect on health among selected rural population. 3) To find out relationship between health effect of environmental sanitation practices with socio - demographic variable. Material and Methods: A descriptive research study design with cross sectional survey approach was undertaken in community area Astagaon and Rahata. A total of 100 people were selected with the help of systemic random sampling technique to assess the environmental sanitation practices and its effect on health among selected urban and rural area of Rahata taluka. A nurse investigator conducted a structured interview for 40 minutes to collect data. A proforma was prepared and to collect the data. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics wherever required. Results: Housing qualities were shows highest percentage (82%) were had pakka house in urban area while (76%) in rural area. Highest percentage (94%) were purifying water drinking by various methods in urban area than in rural area (84%). Toilet facility were shows highest percentage (100%) of availability of toilet facility in urban area than rural area (90%). Waste management shows that highest percentage (78%) were had closed drainage system in urban area than rural area (64%). Highest percentage (64%) people were using community dustbin in urban area where (48%) people were burning waste in open in rural area. Hygienic practices were highest percentage (94%) peoples practicing hand washing after defecation in urban area than rural area (90%). The 4.25 was mean/average score of presence of illness in urban area. while in rural area mean of presence of illness was 4.71. Conclusion: The major findings of study shows that community people are more vulnerable to develop physical health problem due to poor environmental sanitation and hygienic practices as compare to urban community people. Thus it should be emphasized having awareness session with community people regarding importance of maintaining good environmental sanitation and hygienic practices and its effect on health.

Perspectives about Food Safety in Diverse Low- and Middle-income Countries

ObjectivesConcerns about unsafe food influence food choice and consumption of unsafe foods increase morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing unsafe food is dominated by mitigation of biological and chemical hazards through supply-side risk management, with less emphasis on individuals’ experiences and perspectives of food safety. We aimed to identify and categorize perspectives about food safety in five countries. MethodsFive studies designed to address drivers of food choice in low- and middle-income countries provided transcripts from 17 focus groups discussions and 303 interviews in Kenya, Ghana, India, Guinea, and Vietnam. We analyzed transcripts using a priori and emergent coding techniques that involved a constant comparative method. ResultsIndividuals constructed meaning about food safety through personal experience and social influences. Community and family members contributed knowledge about food safety. Concerns about food safety were influenced by reputations of and relationships with vendors. Concerns were amplified by mistrust of vendors’ purposeful adulteration, unsafe selling practices, and new methods to produce food. Individuals were reassured of food safety by positive relationships with vendors; home-cooked meals; implementation of policies and regulations being followed; vendor adherence to environmental sanitation and food hygiene practices; cleanliness of vendors’ appearance; vendors’ or producers’ agency to use risk mitigation strategies; and transparency in production, processing, and distribution of food. ConclusionsIndividuals’ perspectives about food safety influence food choice behaviors. The success of food-safety policies hinges on consideration of these perspectives. Funding SourcesThe Drivers of Food Choice (DFC) Competitive Grants Program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Mitigation strategies to control a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in a dedicated COVID-19 unit

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) is considered a public health threat, and this pathogen is typically associated with hospital infections. At 3 months after opening the hospital’s dedicated COVID-19 unit, 2 patients were identified with CRAb. Infection prevention staff collaborated with staff in the COVID-19 unit, hospital leadership, and health department partners to develop mitigation strategies and to prevent additional transmission. Methods: Admissions to the COVID-19 unit were stopped. Biweekly surveillance cultures were collected to identify any patients potentially colonized with CRAb. An infection control risk assessment was conducted to determine breaches in infection prevention practices. The risk assessment included environmental rounding of the area, epidemiological investigation, environmental testing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing, and observing infection prevention practices. Results: The risk assessment identified multiple gaps in infection control practices, for example, gaps in hand and environmental hygiene practices. The extended use of personal protective equipment (PPE), staff shortages, fatigue, and staff taking on multiple roles and tasks outside their general job duties were other gaps identified by the team. Between June and September 2020, 43 additional CRAb cases were identified in the facility, with 4 (9.8%) cases outside the COVID-19 unit. Moreover, 29 cases (64%) were considered clinical infections and 16 (36%) were identified from surveillance efforts. Environmental cultures identified 1 positive surface with CRAb. PFGE testing was completed on 44 isolates; 42 isolates had identical PFGE patterns, and 2 isolates were unrelated to the COVID-19 unit; 2 isolates were closely related (with 3-band differences) but were not identified in the COVID-19 unit. Conclusions: The inability to definitively identify the source of transmission made it challenging to determine the best approach to eradicating the pathogen. Mitigation for outbreaks should focus on not deviating from core infection control practices.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Combating Lassa fever for sustainable development: Interplay of perceived behavioural control and current preventive practices in most endemic States in Nigeria.

Lassa fever has become a recurring incidence in Nigeria with high case fatality rates recorded in recent times. Given that total compliance with standard hygiene is recommended as a fundamental ingredient for the prevention of Lassa fever, this study investigated the influence of perceived behavioural control and current household and environmental hygiene practices for Lassa fever prevention among residents of selected Lassa fever endemic states in Nigeria. Data collected from primary sources through a mixed-methods approach, using self-administered structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was used for analysis and drawing of inferences. The sample size consisted of 663 survey respondents and 72 FGD participants. The quantitative data was analysed with the aid of SPSS version 23 using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was employed in analysing the qualitative data. The findings indicate that the residents perceived certain recommended hygiene practices as 'easy-to-perform' while some are perceived as 'difficult-to-perform'. Compliance with standard hygiene practices is still partial due to the significant influence of Perceived Behavioural Control on current practices towards Lassa fever prevention in all the selected states at (R2= .023, .040 and .111 for Ebonyi, Edo and Ondo states respectively, at p˂0.05). The study recommends the establishment of community-based mechanized food/crops drying facilities at subsidized rates to remove the risk of food contamination by rodents during sun-drying and extensive use of interpersonal communication channels for door-to-door campaign for the total compliance with the preferred hygiene practices for Lassa fever.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and infection control/prevention practices in traditional birth homes in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundPoor environmental conditions and hygiene practices at the time of childbirth is linked to life-threatening infections and death in mothers and babies. Improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) have been identified as a means through which the lives of mothers and babies could be saved. This study was carried out to explore WASH conditions and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in traditional birth homes/centers in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria. A total of 50 traditional birth centers and attendants (TBAs) were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics of the TBAs and features of the birth centers were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Assessment of WASH conditions and IPC practices was based on established protocols.ResultsFindings revealed that majority of the centers operated under poor WASH conditions and IPC practices; none met with the WHO minimum standards for environmental health.ConclusionsAdequate WASH facilities and IPC practices remain a critical component of maternal and child health even in non-facility birth. As the transition to facility births continues in many countries, the large number of non-facility births demands their inclusion in WASH-related strategies, if global goals of reducing deaths of newborns and women deaths will be achieved.

Salmonella Meningitis in a Two Months Infant from Odisha, India: A Rare Case Report

Salmonella meningitis is a disease with high mortality in infants though incidence is rare. This article reports a case of Salmonella meningitis in a two months male infant, who presented with high fever, convulsion and difficulty in breathing. Salmonella typhi was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that showed resistance to Cephalosporins, Fluroquinoles, Macrolides and Aminoglycosides but susceptiblity to Chloramphenicol and Cotrimaxozole. This case was admitted on fourth day of onset of illness and treated with parenteral Vancomycin and Ceftriaxone to cover both gram positive and negative bacterial agents of bacterial meningitis in a young infant, but succumbed to death on ninth day of illness. This indicated importance of S. typhi as a possible bacterial etiology and a great concern on resistance to the normally chosen antibiotics. An early suspicion can be suggested to reduce the risk of mortality. Environmental hygiene and household cleanliness practices also warrants attention, which were identified as possible risks for enteric infection in spite the baby was absolutely breast fed.

Superficial mycoses, a matter of concern: Global and Indian scenario-an updated analysis.

Superficial mycoses of skin, nails and hair are among the common fungal infections. They are caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi. Such fungal infections are widespread all over the world and are predominant in tropical as well as subtropical regions. Environmental factors, such as warm, humid and pitiable hygienic conditions, are conducive for their growth and proliferation. Although it does not cause mortality, it is known to be associated with excessive morbidity which may be psychological or physical. This affects the quality of life of the infected individuals which leads to a negative impact on their occupational, emotional and social status. Such infections are increasing on a global scale and, therefore, are of serious concern worldwide. This review article covers the global and Indian scenario of superficial mycoses taking into account the historical background, aetiological agents, prevalence, cultural and environmental factors, risk factors, pathogenesis and hygienic practices for the prevention of superficial mycoses.

Effectiveness of Yoruba language radio jingles in promoting knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Lassa fever among women in Ondo state, Nigeria.

BackgroundLassa fever is one of the known Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that plague some states in Nigeria. Radio jingles in indigenous language have been adopted as a veritable risk communication approach to promote public knowledge in the bid to reduce the incidence of Lassa fever outbreaks in Ondo state which has recorded the highest number of victims in recent times. Given the high level of women’s contribution in home keeping, food storage as well as maintenance of environmental hygiene practices, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), is fundamental for the control of Lassa fever.ObjectiveThe study examines the efficacy of indigenous (Yoruba) language radio jingles on knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Lassa fever prevention among women in Ondo state.MethodsThe study adopted a qualitative approach using Focus Group Discussion as the method of data collection.ResultsMajority of the sampled respondents showed ample knowledge of Lassa fever. However, most respondents showed poor attitude towards the rodent vector and the recommended preventive measures have not been fully adopted by the majority of the respondents due to some identified barriers that hinder them from performing certain preventive practices.ConclusionThe radio jingles in Yoruba language have succeeded in promoting adequate knowledge of Lassa fever among women in Ondo state. Although attitude towards the disease vector is still poor and total compliance with the recommended preventive practices that will reduce the spate of Lassa fever in the state have not been achieved.

Outbreak of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus skin infections in an Australian professional football team

ObjectivesSkin and soft tissue infections commonly affect athletes and can lead to cluster outbreaks if not managed appropriately. We report the findings of an investigation into an outbreak of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infection in an Australian professional football team. DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study. MethodsNose, axilla, groin and throat swab were collected from 47 participants. MRSA and MSSA isolates underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing, binary typing and whole genome sequencing. Infection control practitioners (ICPs) investigated the training grounds for risk factors in the transmission of S. aureus. ResultsAlmost half of the participants (n=23, 48.9%) were found to be colonised with MSSA. An outbreak cluster of MRSA ST5 closely related to the fusidic acid-resistant New Zealand NZAK3 clone was identified in a group of four players. MSSA ST15 and MSSA ST291 strains were found to have colonised and spread between two and five players, respectively. All participants were advised to undergo decolonisation treatment consisting of 4% chlorhexidine body wash and mupirocin nasal ointment for ten days. The ICP team identified several unhygienic practices within the club’s shared facilities that may have played a role in the transmission of S. aureus. ConclusionsWe report for the first time a community-associated S. aureus outbreak involving the highly successful fusidic acid-resistant MRSA ST5 clone in a professional football club associated with inadequate hygiene procedures. Management and prevention of S. aureus relies heavily on hygiene education and adherence to personal and environmental hygiene practices and policies.

Impact of Environmental Sanitation and Hygienic Practices on Nutritional Status of Lodha Women and Children of West Bengal, India

Aim To assess the sanitation and hygienic practices of women and its effects on the nutritional status of the mother and preschool children of the Lodha tribal community in two districts of West Bengal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during November, 2014 - December, 2018 of 941 Lodha mothers and 1043 of their preschool children in Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram districts. All information was collected by using KAP questionnaire following interview and group discussion. Mother nutritional status was assessed based on body mass index (BMI) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC). A child was classified as underweight, stunting and wasting as weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-of -height Z-score below -2 standard deviation of WHO standard. Results This study found 35% of the households used safe drinking water. Almost 97.2% of the mother had the low hand wash score and about 67.1% of them had an average WaSH score. Overall, 41.6% and 1.6% mothers were suffered from undernutrition (BMI &lt;18.5 kg/m2) and overweight/obesity (BMI≥25kg/m2). Whereas, 48.9% women were undernourished based on MUAC&lt;22.0cm. Moreover, the overall prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight of preschool children was 31.9%, 62.1% and 61.3%, respectively. The WaSH score of family was significantly associated with child stunted and underweight. Conclusion There is a good association between poor household WaSH practices with child undernutrition and morbidity. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop the comprehensive knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) guidelines in their language to educate them about appropriate water storage, retrieval methods, sanitation and hand washing practices.

Relationship of Environmental Hygiene Practices with Perception of Health among People in Rural Community – A Systematic Review

Relationship of Environmental Hygiene Practices with Perception of Health among People in Rural Community – A Systematic Review

Phenotypic Detection of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase-producing Bacteria from Selected Hospital Contact Surfaces

Community and hospital acquired infections caused by drug resistant organisms especially the extended spectrum β-lactamase producers among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae have been on a global increase. Such infections could lead to an increased healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. The Extended Spectrum β-lactamases are enzymes produced by some bacteria to inactivate group of β-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and its derivatives as well as broad spectrum cephalosporins including monobactams. The enzymes have been the key source of multidrug resistance among many Gram-negative bacteria. Previous studies conducted on Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL) in Gombe Specialist Hospital focused more attention on the occurrence of the ESβL producing bacteria in clinical samples. This study aimed at phenotypic detection of ESβL producing bacteria from some selected contact surfaces in the same hospital for the first time to the best of our knowledge. One hundred and fifty (150) samples were collected from contact surfaces such as door handles, wheelchairs, ATM machines etc. using sterile swab sticks. The samples were cultured on nutrient and MacConkey agar plates to isolate bacterial contaminants. The bacterial isolates were identified using standard procedures. Gram negative isolates were screened for the potential ESβL producers using CLSI breakpoint and phenotypically confirmed using double disc synergy test (DDST). The results obtained confirmed high ESβL producers among E. coli with 20 (44.40%) followed by K. pneumoniae with 15 (33.30%) and then P. mirabilis having the least confirmed isolates. In conclusion, the ESβL producers detected from the contact surfaces suggest the adoption of more personal and environmental hygiene practices to limit the spread of drug resistant organisms and possible outbreak of nosocomial infections.