ISSN 2456-0235

International Journal of Modern Science and Technology

INDEXED IN 

​​​​​​​August 2019, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp 204-211. 

​​​Bacterial Contamination of Door Handles/Knobs in Gombe State University, Nigeria

Luka Ayuba¹*, Maurice Pauro Suwange², Umoh Obongemem Enefiok¹
¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Pure Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
²Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Gombe State University, Gombe State, Nigeria.

​​​*Corresponding author’s e-mail: lukaayuba28@gmail.com

​Abstract

​Public contacted surfaces such as door knobs/handles frequently touched with hands could serves as vehicles for diseases transmission. This study was aimed at isolating, identifying, and evaluating the presence/absence of bacterial contaminant present on the knobs/handles of some selected departments of Gombe State University, Nigeria. During this investigation, door knobs/handles from the selected departments’ namely Biological sciences, Biochemistry and Microbiology department were selected for sample collections. A total number of one-hundred and thirty-five (135) samples were analyzed using the swab-rinse method. Samples collected were cultured and incubated at 37 0 C for 24 hours. Isolation and identification of bacteria was done using standard microbiological procedures. A total of one hundred and fifteen (115) colonies were isolated in this study based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Frequency distribution of the isolates showed that Staphylococcus aureus were 26(22.0%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 14(12.6%), Escherichia coli 21(18%), Klebsiella spp. 15(13%), Proteus mirabilis 15(13%) and Salmonelle spp. 13(11%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 11(9.6%). The level of contamination varies depending on the traffic exposure and the environment. This means that it is necessary to practice good personal hygiene through hand washing and use of hand sanitizer as well as daily washing.

Keywords: Door handles/knobs; Bacterial contamination; Environmental hygiene; Surface.

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