ABSTRACT

Some parts of the microscope frequently touched with hands can act as vehicles for transmission of infections. The study analyzed forty (40) swab samples from microscopes routinely used in hospitals, clinics and medical laboratories within Aba and Umuahia for bacterial contamination. The samples were cultured on MacConkey, Blood and Mannitol Salt agar and incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours. Isolation, identification and Antibiogram of isolates were done by standard microbiological techniques. A total of 17 bacterial organisms comprising five (5) bacterial genera were recovered from the microscopes in this study. Streptococcus species 7(41.2%), was the most frequently isolated organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus 4(23.5%), Pseudomnas aeruginosa 4(23.9%) and Bacillus species 1(5.9%) and Serretia species 1(5.9%). The fine and coarse adjustment knobs harbored more bacterial contaminants (69.2%) than other parts of the microscope samples - eye piece and stage condenser (30.8%). Results of the antibiotic susceptibility test of the isolates presents a general pattern of mild resistance to easily available, across counter drugs. All the isolates showed 100% sensitivity to Streptomycin. The level of contamination varied depending on the exposure of the environment; hence the low incidence of bacterial contamination could be due to regular cleaning of the microscope and use of hand gloves by the microscope users. Microscopes used in medical facilities should be cleaned regularly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover page i

Title page ii

Dedication iii

Certification iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of contents vi

List of tables viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Aim of study 3

1.2 Objectives of Study 3

1.3 Significance of study 3

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature review 4

2.1 Bacteria contamination and Health Dangers 4

2.2 Fomites and infection transmission 4

2.3 The Microscope 9

2.4 Types of microscope 11

2.4.1 Optical microscope 11

2.4.2 X-ray microscope 12

2.4.3 Electron microscope 12

2.4.4 Fluorescence microscope 14

2.4.5 Scanning probe microscope 15

2.5 Components of the microscope 16

2.6 Care for the microscope 17

2.7 Common bacterial contaminants of fomites/microscopes 18

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 20

3.1 Study Area 20

3.2 Collection of Samples 20

3.3 Preparation of Culture Media 20

3.4 Bacterial inoculation and isolation 21

3.5 Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing 21

3.6 Characterization and Identification of Organisms 21

3.7 Gram Stain 21

3.8 Biochemical Tests 22

3.8.1 Catalase Test 22

3.8.2 Coagulase Test 22

3.8.3 Citrate Test 22

3.8.4 Motility, Indole, Urease Test (MIU) 23

3.8.5 Triple Sugar Iron Test 23

3.8.6 Oxidase Test 24

3.9 Data Analysis 24

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 25

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 33

5.1 Discussion 33

5.2 Conclusion 35

5.3 Recommendation 35

References 36