Bacteriological Analysis of Door Handles in Hostels and Offices in Rivers State University

Ugboma; CJ; Okpara; JC; Okoye; A E; Amaechi; Emmanuel; OO

doi:10.56201/jbgr.vol.11.no5.2025.pg25.33

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Bacteriological Analysis of Door Handles in Hostels and Offices in Rivers State University

Ugboma, CJ, Okpara, JC, Okoye, A E, Amaechi, G and Emmanuel, OO

Abstract

Public surfaces, particularly door handles that are frequently touched by hands, can serve as reservoirs for a diverse array of microbes. This study aimed to explore and quantify the microbial load present on door handles in various offices and hostels at Rivers State University. To achieve this, a comprehensive analysis of 41 swab samples was conducted from these environments, along with a control sample taken from a pristine, untouched door knob. Prior to sample collection, the environmental temperature was measured, revealing that it remained comfortably within the typical room temperature range. Microbial analysis employed a meticulous swab method, in which sterile swabs were moistened with sterile normal saline to ensure accurate collection of microbial organisms. The collected specimens were then cultured on two different growth media: Nutrient Agar and MacConkey Agar. These samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours for bacterial growth. The identification and isolation of microorganisms were carried out using established and meticulous microbiological procedures. A total of 358 colonies were isolated and categorized based on their cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. The frequency distribution of the isolates revealed notable

References

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Bacteriological Analysis of Door Handles in Hostels and Offices in Rivers State University

Abstract

References

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