Solid waste motor tricycle operators in Kumasi, Ghana, harbour respiratory pathogens; a public health threat

The use of motor tricycles in transporting municipal solid waste (MSW) within urban and peri-urban towns in Ghana is on the increase. This activity often leads to the introduction of pathogen-containing bioaerosols into the environment, as well as to the tricycle operators. We sought to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of respiratory pathogens among solid waste tricycle operators.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 solid waste transporters who use motor tricycles using semi-structured interviews. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from participants and screened for respiratory pathogens using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Pathogens detected in participants were SARS-CoV-2 (n = 10, 6.5%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 10, 6.5%), constituting an overall prevalence of 12.9% and co-infection rate of 1.3%. The most common self-reported symptoms were cough (n = 67, 43.2%), sore throat (n = 44, 28.4%) and difficulty in breathing (n = 22, 14.2%). Adherence to the use of gloves (n = 117, 75.5%) and nose mask (n = 110, 71.0%) was high. There was a significant association between the detection of respiratory pathogens and the use of gloves, use of more than one PPE and exposure to other pollutants (p < 0.05). Individuals who were exposed to "other pollutants" significantly had lower odds of becoming infected with respiratory pathogens (Adj. OR (95% CI): 0.119(0.015,0.938).

Although prevalence of respiratory pathogens is generally low, strict adherence to PPE use could further reduce its rates to even lower levels. Governmental health institutions and informal solid waste transporters should address challenges related to exposure to pollutants, use of gloves, and multiple PPE.