Microbial quality of ablution kettles used at mosques in the Tolon District: A case study in Nyankpala

Abstract The ubiquitous nature of microorganism and its ability of being transmitted have raised serious concerns, particularly items/objects used by multiple people. The aim of this study is to assess the microbial quality of water-containing vessels/containers (kettles) for ablution in Nyankpala in the northern region of Ghana. Thirty ablution kettles from 10 mosques were sampled by taking 90 swab samples which were taken from the external surfaces of these kettles for laboratory analyses for four bacteria (Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Escherichia coli) known to majorly cause infectious diseases pertaining to hygiene and sanitation. Swabbed samples were spread-plated on various appropriate media and incubated. Viable colonies were then counted and recorded as colony-forming units (cfu/cm2). Confirmations of bacteria were done using citrate, urease, Triple Sugar Iron and catalase tests. A questionnaire was also administered to assess the knowledge of mosque management regarding bacterial contamination of surfaces as well as mosque management practices that influence it. Also, 70% of the mosque management in Nyankpala had no idea about microbial contamination of the ablution kettle, while 30% had fair knowledge about it. The study indicated that Staphylococcus spp. was the highest in occurrence (79.33%), followed by Shigella spp. (10.76%), E. coli (9.17%) and Salmonella spp. (0.75%). It was recommended that proper hand washing among ablution kettle users should be practiced as most contaminations were observed from contact with palms of handlers and avenues be created by stakeholders of hygiene and public health for educating mosque managements on the risk of microbial contamination as well.