Characterization of microbes associated with biomedical wastes of Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

For sustainable maintenance of hospital hygiene, health care regular management of biomedical waste is very crucial. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize microbes from biomedical wastes discharged at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. The studies involved both cross-sectional and laboratory based experimental analysis of microbial load and safety. A total of 80 samples (20 each of bandage, glove, lancet and liquid wastes) were used for enumeration (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, Staphylococci, yeast and molds) as well as isolation and characterization of microbes. Selected pathogens were also evaluated for their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Regarding to the types of wastes discharged from JUSH, 37.5 % were solid wastes according to professional’s response. The results of microbial analysis indicated that, the mean microbial counts (CFU/cm 2 ) were dominated by aerobic mesophilic bacteria (6.54±0.28), Enterobacteriaceae (6.20±0.78), coliforms (6.16±0.22), staphylococcus sp (6.13±0.21) and molds (6.13±0.15). Out of the total 520 isolates characterized, Entrococcus sp. were the most dominant (29.23%) followed by Staphylococci sp. (17.69%) and Escherichia 62 (11.92 %) but the least was Shigella (2.31%). A total of 8 sample positive for Salmonella sp, 7 Klebsiella sp, 6 Staphylococcus sp, 6 for Pseudomonas sp. Out of the six 6 Staphylococcus sp, majorities, 5 of them were resistant to clindamycin and tetracycline. However, 5 of Staphylococcus sp were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin and chloramphenicol. On the other hand, out of six (6) Pseudomonas sp all of them (6), were resistant to ampicillin, but 5 of them were resistant to tetracycline. Out of eight (8) Salmonella sp, all of them resistant to ampicillin, 6 resistant to naldixic acid and tetracycline. The hygienic status of JUSH is actually better and the managements, professionals and sanitarians should handle biomedical wastes in appropriate manner