Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
- 1.1 Background to the Study p. 1
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem p. 3
- 1.3 Objectives of the Study p. 4
CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review
- 2.1 Review of Related Literature p. 9
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework p. 12
CHAPTER THREE: Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design p. 18
- 3.2 Population and Sample p. 20
CHAPTER FOUR: Results and Discussion
- 4.1 Data Analysis p. 26
- 4.2 Discussion of Findings p. 30
CHAPTER FIVE: Summary and Conclusion
- 5.1 Summary p. 35
- 5.2 Conclusion p. 38
- 5.3 Recommendations p. 40
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Surfaces in public areas, particularly those that are often handled such as door handles, counters, and railings, have been identified as potential sources of bacterial contamination This study investigated the antibiogram and microbial contamination of door handles in female hostels at the University of Abuja to determine the bacterial load, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacteria. Swab samples were collected from 15 door handles and subjected to total aerobic bacterial count, colonial and biochemical characterization, and antibiogram testing. Bacterial isolates identified included Bacillus subtilis (33.3%), Escherichia coli (26.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.3%), and Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%). Antibiogram testing revealed widespread resistance to gentamicin, nalidixic acid, septrin, and ampicillin, with intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and pefloxacin. The results highlight the role of door handles as reservoirs for potentially pathogenic bacteria and the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance. This study emphasizes the urgent need for improved hygiene practices, regular surface disinfection, and awareness campaigns on antimicrobial resistance.
Surfaces in public areas, particularly those that are often handled such as door handles, counters, and railings, have been identified as potential sources of bacterial contamination This study investigated the antibiogram and microbial contamination of door handles in female hostels at the University of Abuja to determine the bacterial load, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacteria. Swab samples were collected from 15 door handles and subjected to total aerobic bacterial count, colonial and biochemical characterization, and antibiogram testing. Bacterial isolates identified included Bacillus subtilis (33.3%), Escherichia coli (26.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.3%), and Staphylococcus aureus (16.7%). Antibiogram testing revealed widespread resistance to gentamicin, nalidixic acid, septrin, and ampicillin, with intermediate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and pefloxacin. The results highlight the role of door handles as reservoirs for potentially pathogenic bacteria and the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance. This study emphasizes the urgent need for improved hygiene practices, regular surface disinfection, and awareness campaigns on antimicrobial resistance.