Prevalence of Pathogenic Organisms and Hygienic Practices at Public Toilets in Selected Low-Income Areas In Kumasi
Loading...
Date
2012-09-20
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Public toilets in three low income communities within the Kumasi metropolis were
sampled to determine the prevalence of pathogenic organisms and the varying hygienic
practices by users and caretakers of the facilities. A total of 288 human excreta samples
and 72 toilet cubicle wall swab samples were collected and analyzed for Salmonella, E.
coli and Enterococci using standard methods. Observational studies and key informant
interviews were also carried out. Mean Enterococci numbers (log10 per 100 ml) in human
excreta samples were 4.15, 4.18 and 4.14 in Manhyia, Aboabo and Ayigya, respectively.
Relative frequency of occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms in the excreta samples
were 25, 29 and 22 for E. coli and 6.3, 10.4 and 9.4 for Salmonella at Manhyia, Aboabo
and Ayigya, respectively. Microbial numbers (log10 per 100 ml) in the toilet cubicle swab
samples were 3.19, 3.29 and 3.24 for Enterococci. Swab samples also 16.7%, 25% and
25% for E. coli at Manhyia, Aboabo and Ayigya. Salmonella isolates showed high
resistance to tetracycline (68%) and ampicillin (64%). Standard of hygiene at all public
toilets were very low with faecal matter and waste papers on toilet floors. Waste baskets
had no cover and were hardly emptied causing overflow of waste papers. Resulting from
poor management, most of the toilets had an obnoxious smell causing users to remove
their clothes before accessing them. Hand washing materials were not available in
Aboabo and Ayigya. KMA must implement proper planning and effective management
of public toilets in order to protect public health in Kumasi.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Department of Environmental Science,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in partial fulfillment
of the requirement for the degree
of Master of Science in Environmental Science, September-2012