Isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates from unused diapers sold in major markets in Enugu Metropolis: Clinical and policy perspectives

Iniekong P. Udoh, Gerald E. Ibeh, Edith O. Nwosu, Edwin C. Arum, Ikenna C. Okoli

Abstract

Diapers, being one of the most used items for infant care, it is imperative that they are always free of contamination from microorganisms. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of bacterial contamination and the antibiotics profile of isolated bacteria from unused diapers sold in markets in Enugu Metropolis, southeast Nigeria. The study also investigated the effectiveness of the Nigerian Consumer protection laws towards maintaining the standard of care for infants and toddlers. Fifty pieces of different brands of diapers were sampled for bacterial contamination using standard bacteriological procedures. The results show that out of 50 samples analyzed, bacterial growths were identified in 9 (18%), of which five different bacterial species were isolated. The most prevalent being Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus 3 (33.3%). Other bacteria isolated were Lactobacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, and Streptococcus spp 1 (11.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of the bacterial contamination of diapers across the different brands(p>0.05). We conclude that baby diapers sold in markets in Enugu metropolis are prone to contamination with bacteria.We recommend that appropriate measures should be taken during the manufacturing process to reduce or prevent the incidence of bacterial contamination of diapers.

Full Text:

PDF

References

Uko, EA, Akpainyang, NE, Ntekpere, EI, Adenugba, IT and

Effiong, KO. Microbial Contamination of Infant

Diapers. Communication in Physical Sciences, 2020;

(1): 767-773.

Thaman, LA and Eichenfield, LF. Diapering habits: A global

perspective. Pediatric Dermatology, 2014; 31, 15–18.

doi:10.1111/pde.12468.

Stamatas, GN and Tierney, NK. Diaper dermatitis: Etiology,

manifestations,

prevention,

Pediatric

Dermatology,

doi:10.1111/pde.12245.

and management.

;31(1),

–7.

Evans E, Helmes CT, Kirsch T and Ruble KM. Colours in

disposable diapers: Addressing myths. Clinical

Pediatrics, Pediatr (Phila): 2014; 53-59

Helmes CT, O'Connor R, Sawyer L and Young S. Disposable

diaper absorbency: Improvements via advanced

designs. Clinical Pediatrics, 2014; 53(9 suppl): 14S

S. doi:10.1177/0009922814540377

Clark-Greuel, JN, Helmes CT, Lawrence A, Odio, M and

White JC. Setting the record straight on diaper rash

and disposable diapers. Clinical Pediatrics, 2014;

(1): 53-59.

Akin F, Evans J D. and Foulk, J A. Effects of breathable

disposable diapers: Reduced prevalence of candida and

common diaper dermatitis. Pediatric

Dermatology,

;

(4):

–290.

doi:10.1046/j.1525-1470.2001.01929. x.

Odio M, and Thaman L. Diapering, diaper technology, and

diaper area skin health. Pediatric Dermatology. 2014;

(s1):9-14.

Cheesbrough M. District Laboratory practices tropical

countries. Microbiology 2. Cambridge UK. 2006;

Page 26-196

Tuzun Y, Wolf, Balglam S and Engi B. Diaper (napkin)

Dermatits: a fold (intertriginous) dermatosis. Clinics

in dermatology,2015; 33(4), 477-482.

Kotch JB, Isbell P, Weber DJ, Nguyen V, Savage E, Gunn

E

and Allen J. Hand-washing and diapering

equipment reduces disease among children in out-of

home childcare centers. Pediatrics, 2007; 120(1): e29

e36.

Petrova MI, Reid G, Vaneechoutte M and Lebeer S.

Lactobacillus iners: Friend or foe? Trends in

Microbiology, 2017; 25(3): 182-191.

Li B, Zhao Y, Liu C, Chen Z, and Zhou D. Molecular

pathogenesis of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Future

Microbiology,2014; 9(9): 1071-1081.

El Fertas-Aissani R, Messai, Y, Alouache, S and Bakour R.

Virulence profiles and antibiotic susceptibility

patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated

from

different

clinical

specimens.PathologieBiologie,2013; 61(5): 209-216.

Gurung RR, Maharjan, P and Chhetri GG. Antibiotic

resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus with

reference to MRSA isolates from pediatric patients.

Future Science OA, 2020; 6(4): FSO464.

Sharma P, Tomar, SK, Sangwan V, Goswami P. and Singh

R. Antibiotic resistance of Lactobacillus sp. isolated

from commercial probiotic preparations. Journal of

Food Safety, 2016; 36(1): 38-51.

Section 167(2) and 131 Federal Competition and Consumer

Protection Act, 2018.

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.