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Journal of Future Medicine and Healthcare Innovation(JFMHI)

ISSN: 3065-7628 | DOI: 10.33140/JFMHI

Williams Ampadu Oduro

Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Publications
  • Research Article   
    Assessing Hygiene Risks: Microbial Contamination on Surfaces of Public and Household Latrines at the District Level in Ghana
    Author(s): Williams Ampadu Oduro* and Eunice Eduful

    Latrines play a critical role in maintaining public health but can also act as reservoirs for microbial contamination, particularly in low-resource settings. This cross-sectional study assessed hygiene risks by quantifying microbial loads on high-touch surfaces of public and household latrines in Ghana. A total of 200 surface swabs were collected with 80 from public latrines and 120 from household toilets. Samples were analyzed for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and total coliforms using standard culture methods. Results were expressed as log10 colony-forming units per square centimeter (CFU/cm2). Mean microbial loads were significantly higher on surfaces of public latrines than on household toilets (p < 0.05). Door handles and flush levers showed the greatest contamination, with E. coli reaching 3.82 ± 0.41 log10 CFU/cm2 in public latrines compared with 1.61 &plus.. Read More»

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