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

Bacteriological evaluation of diabetic ulcers in Nigeria

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The lesions are usually infected, and this study was carried out in Enugu State, Nigeria to determine the common bacterial pathogens that infect ulcers and their antimicrobial susceptibly patterns. Deep wound swabs were collected from 71 consecutive diabetic patients admitted with foot ulcers into the medical wards of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (26% of 274 total diabetes-related admissions). Polymicrobial isolates of Clostridium spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Klebsiella aerogenes were found in 26 (53%) cases. Clostridium species showed susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, and high resistance to beta-lactams. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes showed resistance to the aminoglycosides and beta-lactams. All the gram-negative organisms showed significant susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones used. Clostridium species, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella aerogenes were the most common causes of diabetic foot infections in the study and the rates of antibiotic resistance were observed to be relatively high. Antibiotic susceptibility testing remains of paramount importance in the management of diabetic foot ulceration

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