Prevalence of Pulmonary Mucormycosis among Poultry Farmers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau

This research titled Incidence of Pulmonary Mucormycosis among Poultry Farmers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State was aimed at determining the number of Poultry Farmers who are infected with pulmonary mucormycosis. Sputum from 100 Poultr y Farmers was investigated by cultivation on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar containing antibiotics and examined for fungi. Fungal identification was carried out by direct microscopy and colony morphology using the Papanicolau stain, standard mycological stains and reagents. Consent was obtained from the participants and questionnaires were used to obtain their Bio - data. Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version - 25 software was used for Chi - Square and t - test analyses of the research findings. A total of 6 (6.0%) persons were infected with Mucor, other fungi were isolated in 14 (28%) of the farmers. Abnormal squamous epithelial cells were seen in 24 (48%) and inflammatory cells in 11 (22%) of farmers. Mucor was not isolated from the sputum of Pers ons with mean duration in years of poultry farming activities of 2.5 years and 6.5 years while those with 18.5 and 22.5 years had 2 (%) rate of infection each. Infection with mucor in relation to years of poultry farming was statistically significant, 2 (5) = 16.31, p ≤ 0.05. There was however no significant difference in abnormal substances found in the sputum of males (M = 4.61, SD = 2.05) and the sputum obtained from females (M = 4.33, SD = 1.83); t (109) = 0.742, p = 0.460. There is need for farmers t o regularly use face mask to avoid inhalation of dust. Environmental sanitation should be regularly carried out so as to reduce wastes which serve as breeding ground for fungi. There is also the need for Farmers to also engage in routine medical checkups.