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 was
Streptococcus 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