ABSTRACT

In this study, the microbial contamination from public toilet seats were investigated. 25 Samples were evaluated using standard microbiological methods. The Seven (7) bacterial genera observed include Escherichia coli, Shigella spp, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp,  and Bacillus spp. The total viable counts ranged from 9.3 x 102 cfu/g to 2.9 x 102 cfu/g while the Salmonella-shigella counts ranged from 0.9 x 102 cfu/g to 1.1 x 103 cfu/g. The percentage occurrence of the isolates revealed that Escherichia coli (39%) had the highest percentage occurrence, while Klebsiella spp (6%) had the least percentage occurrence. Frequent washing of the public toilet seats and constant closing of the lid should be maintained to enable a hygienic toilet environment.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents v

Lists of Tables vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Aim 2

1.2 Objectives 2

CHAPTER TWO

2.0   Literature Review 3

2.1 Health Hazards Associated With Public Toilet Usage 8

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 10

3.1 Sample collection 10

3.2 Media Used 10

3.3 Sterilization 10

3.4 Enumeration of Bacterial Samples 10

3.5 Identification and Characterization of Isolates 11

3.5.1 Gram Staining 11

3.5.2 Motility Test 12

3.6 Biochemical Tests 12

3.6.1 Catalase Test 12

3.6.2 Coagulase Test 12

3.6.3 Citrate Test. 12

3.6.4 Oxidase Test 13

3.6.5 Indole Test 13

3.6.6 Urease Test 13

3.6.7 Methyl Red Test 14

3.6.8 Voges-proskaeur Test 14

3.6.9 Sugar Fermentation Test 15

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0  Results 16

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0       Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 21

5.1 Discussion 21

5.2 Conclusion 23

5.3 Recommendation 23

References 24

Appendix I 28

Appendix II 29