Human Respiratory Tract Microbial Pathogens Associated with Asphalt Production

ABSTRACT

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