Bacterial Contamination Of Frequently Used Fomites In Public Transport Facilities In Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increase in the transmission of infection by pathogens through contaminated fomites in public places has become a significant concern for public health. This study was designed to assess bacterial contamination of frequently used fomites in public transport facilities in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 105 Swab samples from frequently used fomites (countertops, doorknobs, toilet basins, seats, faucets and walls) in Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport and four selected bus terminals in Imo State were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. The study reveals high contamination in fomites from bus terminals of Imo Transport Company and Young shall grow motors with the toilet basin in the bus terminal of Imo Transport Company having the highest total heterotrophic count of 8.0 X106 CFU/m2. Samples from Sam Mbakwe cargo airport and God is good motors were the least contaminated. A total of 54 isolates comprising 28(51.9%) gram-positive and 26(48.1%) gram-negative bacteria were identified. Isolates identified were Streptococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Klebsiella sp, Shigella sp and Providencia sp, with Staphylococcus aureus (20.4%) as the most predominant organism. In comparison, Shigella (3.7%) and Providencia sp (1.9%) were the least isolated organisms. Antibiotic sensitivity profile of Gram positive isolates revealed highest sensitivity (88.5%) to ofloxacin and least sensitivity (30.8%) to ceftazidime while Gram negative isolates showed highest (78.9%) and least (31.6%) to ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin respectively. This study has shown that frequently used fomites can serve as vehicles for the transmission of potential pathogens. The authors, therefore, recommend maintenance of effective and regular cleaning and sanitation methods by management and users at these places to prevent the spread of infectious agents