ABSTRACT

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is used by millions of people each day. This study was aimed at- examining the microbial load of banks’ ATM keypads located within Michael Okpara University, Umudike (MOUAU) which is likely contaminated with various microorganisms due to their vast contact by multiple users. The results revealed presence of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus 36.11%, Bacillus subtilis 25%, Escherichia coli  16.67%, Streptococcus spp. 19.44%, Rhizopus spp. 30.56%, Aspergillus niger 22.22%,  Aspergillus fumigatus 16.67%, Rhodotorula spp.  8.33% and Penicillium spp. 25% on the keypads as a function of their percentage of occurrence on the ATM surfaces. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that 39(55.7%) of the drugs was resistant, 8(11.4%) was intermediate and 23(32.9%) was susceptible, indicating a high level of multidrug resistance among microorganisms associated with ATM user interfaces which may pose health hazards to ATM users. Therefore, adequate personal hygiene, hand washing after ATM usage and routine cleaning regimen of these machines are recommended and should be practiced to reduce contamination on the ATM surfaces.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables vii

List of Figures viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Aims of Study 4

1.2 Objectives of Study 4

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

a. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) 5

b. History of  Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Nigeria 5

c. Benefits Associated with the Use of  ATM 6

d. ATM as a Means of Disease Transmission 7

e. Effects of Unhygienic Conditions on ATM Surfaces 10

2.6 Microorganisms Associated with ATM surfaces 11

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Study Area 15

3.2 Materials 15

3.3 Methods for Microbiological Analysis 15

3.3.1 Sample Collection and Processing 16

3.4 Isolation of Microorganisms 16

3.4.1 Inoculation of Media for Characterization and Identification 17

3.4.2 Characterization of Bacterial Isolates 17

3.4.3 Characterization of Fungal Isolates 22

3.4.4 Identification of Bacterial Isolates 23

3.5 Determination of Occurrence 23

3.6 Antibiotic Susceptibility Test 23

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Discussion 37

5.2 Conclusion 40

5.3 Recommendations 41

REFERENCES