Abstract

A survey on the prevalence of respiratory tract bacterial pathogens among carpenters in Owerri, Imo states was carried
out between the month of August and September; 2021. A total of 30 samples, 15 sputum and 15 throat swabs were
randomly collected from carpenters in two different local government areas of Owerri; to determine the prevalence of
bacterial pathogens in the respiratory tract of the carpenters. To determine the prevalence of age-related respiratory
tract bacterial pathogens among the carpenters. To identify the highest bacterial pathogens, present in the sputum
samples collected from the carpenters. To determine the microbial load among the infected subjects. To determine the
knowledge, attitude, practices of the carpenters. Standard microbiological techniques were used to analyze the sputum
and throat swabs. The results showed that the prevalence of respiratory tract bacterial pathogens was 46.66% in 30
subject which was considered high. The bacterial pathogens isolated include; Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae
and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The total viable bacterial count ranges from 3.6x105 to 8.9x105 Cfu/ml. The most
prevalent bacteria were Streptococcus pyogenes (64.29%), followed by klebsiella pneumoniae (28.57%) and the least wasStreptococcus pneumoniae (7.14%). In Owerri, the highest prevalence was recorded in Owerri municipal (50.00%) and the
least in New Owerri (40.00%). Age group of 51-60 years had the highest prevalence of 62.50%, while those between
61-70 years were recorded least (25.00%). The most common respiratory symptom experienced by the carpenters were;
Fever (96.00%), Headache (94.00%), itchy eyes (40.00%), cough (20%), chest pain (10.00%), difficulty in breathing
(dyspnea) (10.00%) and sore throat (2.00%). There was high prevalence of respiratory tract bacterial pathogens among
carpenters in Owerri, Imo state. The age and duration of employment of carpenters was also responsible for high
prevalence of respiratory tract bacterial pathogens among carpenters. Therefore, occupational health programmes
should be introduced by the government to create awareness among the workers (carpenters) to make their
workstations conducive and to go for regular health checkup. Carpenters should use nose mask during working (cutting of wood with saw and spraying of the wood with chemicals) to prevent the inhalation of wood dust and chemicals.