THE PREVALENCE OF Enterococcus spp IN TOILET DOOR HANDLES OF MALE AND FEMALE HOSTEL IN DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC OZORO
Orogu J. O.* and Okobia U. B.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of Enterococcus spp. on fomites such as the toilet door handles in the male and female hostel of Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro was examined to determine the level of bacterial contamination on the toilet door handles which may pose a risk to the students through transmission of infection. A total of 15 samples were analyzed and coded as. A to H (Male toilet door handles) and I to O (Female toilet door handles). Seven Isolates were obtained; Staphylococcus sp., E. coli, Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Enterococcus sp., Bacillus spp. The total heterotrophic plate count ranges from 5.3 X 103CFU/ML to 9.2 X 103CFU/ML. The present study showed that Enterococcus sp. was the most prevalent organism (25%) and the least prevalent organism was Bacillus spp. The spread of microorganism and prevention of infection from door handles can be minimized by thorough hand washing and use of hand sanitizer as well as daily washing and cleaning of restrooms with disinfectants.
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