ICEH Papers

INFECTION POTENTIAL OF WASTES FROM SELECTED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Sridhar, M. K. C. and Olajumoke B. Ayeni “Infection Potential Of Wastes From Selected Healthcare Facilities In Ibadan, Nigeria” in Martin J. Bunch, V. Madha Suresh and T. Vasantha Kumaran, eds., Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Environment and Health, Chennai, India, 15-17 December, 2003. Chennai: Department of Geography, University of Madras and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. Pages 512 – 519.

Abstract:

Healthcare facilities in Nigeria produce a variety of infectious wastes and they are co-disposed along with municipal solid wastes. Available data on the types and potential of infection is scanty. This study was carried out to assess the microbial load and the predominant species of infectious bacteria in the solid wastes from four hospitals (private and Government owned) and selected residential areas closer to a large hospital (<500 m) and those, which are farther away. The dominant organisms in the hospital wastes were Klebsiella pneumonia (34.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (22.2%). K. pneumonia is dominant in the residential areas closer to the hospital and K. aerogenes is found in those far away. Along with these, species of Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Candida, Escherichia, Entercocci and aerobic spore bearers were also found in the wastes from residential areas.

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