Health Implications of the Bacterial Load of Computer Keyboards
Abstract
Between April and May 2005, some selected computer keyboards in Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria were bacteriologically examined to evaluate the load and types of bacterial organisms associated with them. Eighty (80) computer keyboards were randomly sampled and analysed using surface carpeting method. Aerobic mesophilic bacterial count ranged between the highest of 2.37 x 102 cfu/m2 and the lowest of 1.09 x 102 cfu/m2. Characterization of the bacterial isolates using cultural, morphological and biochemical methods revealed the presence of seven bacterial genera namely: Corynebacterium, Klebsiella, Listeria, Pseudomonas, Shigella, Staphlococcus and Streptococcus. Generally, Staphylococcus aureus was the most isolated {43(58.1%)} while Corynebacterium species and K. pneumoniae were the least, each with 1(1.4%) occurrence rate. Statistically, there was a significant difference between sites (P<0.05) as it relates to the recovery of the bacteria. The implications of the results have been discussed in relation to human health and productivity. Suggestions have been made on how to improve the situation.
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