Human Respiratory Tract Microbial Pathogens Associated with Asphalt Production

Asphalt remains a major source of microbial distribution in the world. The major aims and objectives of this prospective study were to determine the presence and prevalence rates of different pathogenic microbial agents; and analyse possible health implications of asphalt contamination. Sampling was carried out at some asphalt industries in Abia State by exposing bacterial and fungal culture media to asphalt fumes; with standard controls. Culture plates were transported aseptically to the microbiology laboratory of Abia State University; Uturu for isolation and characterisations. The prevalence rates of Bacillus species; Staphylococcus aureus; Klebsiella aerogenes; Micrococcus species; Escherichia coli; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; were 90; 40; 90; 100; 40; and 40; respectively. Among the fungal organisms isolated were Rhizopus species (60); Aspergillus fumigatus (40); Aspergillus fumigatus (40); Aspergillus niger (90); and Candida species (100). These pathogenic microorganisms are of serious public health significance; because they pose serious risks for possible carcinogenity and respiratory microbial infections. The government needs to intensify regulations relating to the construction of asphalt industries in and around domestic dwellings

Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage rates among infants in Owerri, Nigeria

A microbiological survey was carried out on children attending the Paediatric Clinic of the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri; Edo State; Nigeria. The study was carried out to determine the carriage rate of Streptococcus pneumoniae; the common cause of acute cold and death among children. Of a total of 71 specimens; S pneumoniae was isolated from 49; a prevalence of 69. Sex distribution showed that females had a higher carriage rate than males (55vs 45; p=0.05). Children between 12 months and 4 years of age had higher prevalence rates of S pneumoniae than children under 12 months and over 4 years