Microbiological Analysis On The Palms And Fingers Of Teachers And Pupils

Microbiological Analysis On The Palms And Fingers Of Teachers And Pupils

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 

Background of Study

            Microorganisms are ubiquitous and have an amazing ability to adapt to
environments and further multiply in large numbers within a limited time (Maori et al., 2013). They are found in different parts of the terrestrial environment including various surfaces, and natural environments such as air, water and soil are agents of organisms (Forero et al., 2018). Pathogenic microorganisms are serious threats in schools, where contact with many microorganisms happens regularly during the school day (Ray et al., 2011). The human body is colonized by many microorganisms, and they are beneficial while others can cause harmful effects if they changed their sites in the body (Malaeb et al., 2016).

Many people can become infected by air especially those microorganisms causing respiratory-tract infection, other means of acquisition include suspended solid materials sources including dust, dry soil and droplets or moisture from coughing, sneezing and also from the growth of sporulating mould on walls and floor (Alemu et al., 2015). Hence nearly all microorganisms may be found in the air but most especially those kinds which are more resistant to dryness will survive for a longer period. Not only air but soil contains the greatest variety of microorganisms that readily contaminate the body surfaces of humans and can be easily carried by palms and fingers. The United State Centre for disease control (USCDC) in 2013 found that microbes could be found exchanging between contaminated hands and cyber appliances such as the mouse and keyboards, this creates another favourable room for the contamination of palms and fingers of school children using these appliances daily in their learning process. Generally, the school environment is an ideal environment for the spread of infection and infectious diseases. Transmission of bacterial enteric infections via hands has important consequences for students, as they are more likely to take meals and water without washing their hands; therefore they are posed with risk of infection. (Lau et al., 2012). The hand serves as a major vehicle for the transmission of various microbes, including the enteric species. Contaminated hands play a major role in the faecal-oral transmission of diseases (Ray et al., 2011). According to Kwan et al., (2018), the unhygienic habits of most people lead to various infections via hands and fingernails, and 80% of the diseases are associated with poor domestic and personal hygiene. Faecal contamination of the hands is one of the important routes by which children are exposed to pathogenic organisms. HeZ et al., (2012) discovered that artificial fingernails could serve as means for the transmission of pathogens to foods and causing nosocomial infections. In his research, four genera of bacteria were isolated and identified, such as Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Proteus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Among the organism identified, Staphylococcus aureus (41.7%) was predominant and frequently occurring, followed by E. coli (7.4%). Taha et al., (2013) concluded in a study that artificial fingernails were more likely to harbour pathogens, especially gram- negative bacilli and yeasts, than natural nails. A lot of studies have been done on microbial contamination on surfaces, most of them citing the dangers inherent in frequent usage of toilets, but to date, nothing tangible has been done to reduce such contaminations with school pupils after playing on school playgrounds (Hedin et al., 2012) While most pupils after using the restrooms are conscious of washing their hands, the same cannot be said for the usage of cyber appliances and school playground. With the advent of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and so many other futuristic pandemics with microbial transmission format, it is necessary for everyone to be aware of the imminent danger (Marks et al., 2014).

1.2       Statement of problem

The human hand is a major conduit for the exchange of microorganisms between the environment and the body, leading to most pathogenic infections (Miltiadous et al., 2011). According to (El-Kased, 2016) It has been observed that microbial contamination in schools are limitless, especially in developing countries where most teachers are largely ignorant of the potential hazards they and their students encounter each time they use the school playground, cyber appliances, restrooms and the school desk.

1.3       Aim and Objective of the study

The aim of this study is to conduct microbiological analysis on the palms and fingers of teachers and pupils of University of Uyo staff school, Uyo. Hence, the specific objectives are to;

1. Isolate, characterize and identify bacteria and fungi from palms and fingers of both teachers and pupils in the school.
2. Determine the prevalence of bacteria and fungi associated with palms and fingers.

• Determine the pathogenic potentials of the isolates.

1. Conducts antimicrobial susceptibility test on the pathogenic isolates.