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Published on: September 16, 2022
A STUDY OF SKIN SEPSIS AMONGST ABATTOIR WORKERS IN MONIYA, IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA
O L Okunye1, C O Babalola2, O E Adeleke3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Background:
Skin sepsis is a pyodermal infection caused by Lancefield's group streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus . It is characterized by discolored and mottled skin, cellulitis, impetigo and multi-systemic collagen muscularitis and can be transmitted from person to person.
Objective:
This study sampled the skin of consented abattoir workers in Moniya Ibadan, for clinical sepsis, with a view to establishing a causal relationship between the infection obtained and the abattoir workers examined.
Methodology:
A total of 100 meat handlers' hands and forearms were examined. Swabs were taken from lesions which appeared clinically to be infected and then propagated on selective culture media designed for staphylococci and streptococci. Conventional biochemical tests and Lancefield determination were carried out as considered appropriate.
Results:
Of the 100 swabs from the categories of abattoir workers examined, 43 streptococci (35 from lesion 8 from wound) and 36 Staphylococcus aureus (20 from lesion and16 from wound) were obtained. The regression analysis from the grouping of gender, causative agents and specific infection as a predictor of infection were recorded to be significant (b = 0.18; t = 1.74; p < 0.05) for the nature of but non-significant (b = -0.067; t = -0.649; p > 0.05) for the gender.In-vitro antigen antibody reaction on StreptexM kit elicited varied reactions to Lancefield's serological grouping (A (56%), B (9%) C (7%) G (22%) and L (7%). Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in varying percentages (Tetracycline and gentamicin 62%, meropenem and ceftriaxone 100%, amikacin, 10%, and vancomycin 80%) to conventional antibiotics were observed.
Conclusion:
From this study point of view, the causal relationship between the infection and the infected has been established, from the pathogens of pyodermal origin contacted from cows, that causes sepsis across all the category of abattoir workers studied. There is a need to provide an ideal functioning abattoir fully equipped with required facilities for safety and ease of execution of duties.
Insights
Skin sepsis, caused by streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus, was confirmed in abattoir workers. This study establishes a link between occupational exposure and pyodermal infections, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Skin sepsis is a pyodermal infection caused by Lancefield's group streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Characterized by skin discoloration, cellulitis, impetigo, and multi-systemic collagen muscularitis, it is transmissible between individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical sepsis in abattoir workers in Moniya Ibadan.
- To establish a causal relationship between occupational exposure and pyodermal infections in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- 100 meat handlers' hands and forearms were examined for clinical sepsis.
- Swabs from lesions and wounds were cultured on selective media for staphylococci and streptococci.
- Conventional biochemical tests and Lancefield determination were performed.
Main Results:
- 43 streptococci and 36 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were identified from 100 swabs.
- A significant predictor of infection was the nature of the causative agent (p < 0.05), but not gender.
- Staphylococcus aureus exhibited varying resistance to antibiotics, with high resistance to tetracycline and gentamicin (62%) and low resistance to amikacin (10%).
Conclusions:
- A causal relationship between pyodermal pathogens from cows and sepsis in abattoir workers was established.
- The findings underscore the need for improved abattoir facilities and safety protocols to prevent occupational infections.
