Antibiotic susceptibility of<i> Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Bacillus</i> bacteria and its impact on waste workers health: A case study based on Dhaka City

Solid waste, primarily consisting of residential and commercial waste, poses significant health risks in Bangladesh, particularly due to the presence of bacteria like Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Bacillus.These bacteria thrive in municipal solid waste and are common causes of bacterial infections, especially among waste workers who come into direct contact without proper safety measures.This lack of protection exposes them to dangerous bacteria, leading to diseases that reduce their work efficiency and, in some cases, result in death.A study conducted in Dhaka City Corporation from July 2019 to March 2020 identified and isolated E. coli and Bacillus from municipal solid waste using specific growth media -Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) for E. coli and Mannitol Egg Yolk Polymyxin (MYP) for Bacillus.Both bacteria demonstrated susceptibility to antibiotics, but their presence highlights the severe health risks associated with poor waste management.With rapid urbanization and inadequate solid waste management systems, these risks are only increasing.The spread of such bacteria endangers not only waste workers but also the surrounding communities.Addressing this issue requires urgent improvements in municipal solid waste handling and worker safety protocols to prevent further public health crises.