Patterns and sources of enteric bacterial infections in suburbs of the Greater Accra region, Ghana

Hospital records of enteric bacterial infections are crucial for understanding disease patterns, identifying risk factors and informing public health policies. This study, therefore, investigated enteric bacterial infection patterns using hospital records and assessed potential infection sources in Greater Accra. This study was cross-sectional and retrospective. Secondary data, involving 5,725 patients, was collected from the outpatient department of the University Hospital in Legon, Accra. Ready-to-eat vegetable salads and sachet drinking water from vendors across five locations were also tested for Total coliform (T. C), E. coli and Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) counts. Prevalence among females (5.0%) was slightly higher than among males (4.6%). However, the age group at the greatest risk (infants below 1 year) showed a higher prevalence among males (8.1%) than females (7.1%). All the vegetable sauces from the five localities were contaminated, with T.C. concentrations above 10 4 cfu/100ml. None of the sachet water was contaminated with E. coli , but the THB counts were above the Ghana Standards Authority's recommended maximum limit. Hospital data revealed varying prevalence rates of enteric diseases across different communities, with children under one year being the most at risk. While sachet water had no detectable E. coli , THB levels exceeded the safe limit. Microbial contamination was also found in ready-to-eat mixed vegetable salad and pepper sauce, pointing to quality control issues. Comprehensive education regarding WASH is crucial for at-risk populations. Stringent quality control measures for commercially sold foods and water, coupled with intensified factory inspections, are also necessary.