ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to isolate and identify the bacterial organisms associated with bacterial contamination of rings. A total of one hundred (100) rings worn by various categories of respondents were swabbed and analysed for bacterial contamination. Samples collected were cultured upon arrival in the microbiology laboratory of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and incubated at 370C for 24hours. In the course of the study, the following bacteria were isolated E. coli (16.46%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.86%), Proteus species (2.53%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus (6.33%), S. aureus (26.56%), Pseudomonas aeruginasa(10.13%), Streptococcus species (7.59%) and Bacillus species (21.52%). Analysis of the degree of bacterial contamination amongst the different categories of respondents showed that rings obtained from traders were more contaminated and haboured the highest diversity of bacterial isolates. Antibiotic sensitivity was carried out and most of the isolates were seen to possess multi-drug resistant capabilities against some of the antibiotics tested. Thus, indicates that contaminated rings could be a possible reservoir of several pathogens implicated in community and hospital acquired infections. Thorough hand washing with soap and water, periodic cleaning of rings as well as other hygienic practice should be encouraged. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE 1

2.1.0 Introduction 1

I.2 Back Ground Studies 2

1.3 Aim 2

1.4 Objective 2

1.5 Limitations 3

CHAPTER TWO

Introduction 4

2.1 Bacteria Contaminates Associated with Jewelries (Rings) 8

2.1.1 Escherichia coli 9

2.1.2 Klebsiella spp 10

2.1.3 Staphylococcus  spp 11

2.1.4 Other   Staphylococcus spp 11

2.1.5 Bacillus spp 12

2.1.6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12

2.1.7  Proteus spp. 13

2.2   Hand hygiene as an effective tool in reducing the risk of associated with contaminated

Rings. 13

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 16

3.l       Study Area l6

3.2      Collection of samples 16

3.3      preparation of Culture Media 17

3.4       Bacteria lnoculation and lsolation 17

3.5       Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing 17

3.6        Characterization and Identification of Organisms 18

3.7         Gram Stain 18

3.8        Biochemical Tests 18

3.8.2      Coagulase Test 18

3.8.3       Citrate Test 18

3.8.4      Motility, lndole, Urease Test (MlU). 19

3.8.5     Triple Sugar lron Test. 20

3.8.6     Oxidase Test   20

3.9       Data Analysis 20

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0      Results 21

CHPATER  FIVE

5.0    Discussion 29

5.1   Conclusion   31

5.2   Recommendation 31

REFERENCES  

LIST OF TABLES

 1 Marital status of the respondents 22

 2          Incidence of bacterial carriage in rings. 23

 3           Morphological Identification of Isolates 24

 4           Biochemical Characterization of the Isolates 25

 5           Frequency of Occurrence of Bacteria Isolates 26

 6        Degree of Bacterial Contamination of Rings Worn by Different Respondent Categories 27

 7 Antibiotic Sensitivity of Bacterial Isolates