ABSTRACT

Several studies of the human environment have demonstrated colonization and contamination of objects such as door handles, faucets, phones, money, fabrics, and plastics. This study therefore was to evaluate the bacterial diversity and degree of contamination obtainable on the ATM buttons as money is being collected. The study area was conducted in various Banks in Umuahia metropolis. A total number of sixty-eight (68) samples were collected from 14 different banks in Umuahia metropolis and 9 different organisms were isolated which include- E.coli(26.47%), S.aureus(17.64%), Bacillus spp(4.90%), Klebsiella spp(6.86%), Proteus spp(8.82%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(9.80%), Streptococcus spp(13.72%), Salmonella spp(4.90%) and Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus(6.86%). The result of the study reveals that high levels of bacterial contamination were detected on ATM hardware user interface. Recommendation includes the use of hand sanitizers, increased sanitary measures and strict adherence to washing hands regularly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables vii

List of Figures viii 

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background Studies 3

1.2 Aim 3

1.3 Objectives 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 4

2.1 Bacteria Contaminants Associated With Automated Teller Machine (ATM) 8

2.1.1 Escherichia coli 9

2.1.2 Proteus spp 10

2.1.3 Klebsiella spp 10

2.1.4 Staphylococcus aureus 11

2.1.5 Streptococcus spp 11

2.1.6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12

2.1.7 Bacillus spp 12

2.2 The Effectiveness of Hand Hygiene in Reducing the Risk of Infection 13

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 15

3.1 Study Area 15

3.2 Collection of Samples 15

3.3 Preparation of Culture Media 15

3.4 Bacterial Inoculation and Isolation 16

3.5 Antibiotics Susceptibility Testing 16

3.6 Characterization and Idenfication Organism 16

3.7 Gram Staining 16

3.8 Biochemical Tests 17

3.8.1 Catalase Test 17

3.8.2 Coagulase Test 17

3.8.3 Citrate Utilization Test 17

3.8.4 Motility, Indole Urease (MIU) Test 18

3.8.5 Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) Test 18

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 20

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion         31

5.1 Conclusion 33

5.2 Recommendation 34

REFERENCES

APPENDIX