ABSTRACT

Sensitivity of microorganisms isolated from Jewelries and wristwatches worn by students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to some detergents Omo, Aeriel and Kim was done. A total of 40 jewelries worn by students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike were examined for the presence of bacteria and fungi. They were examined microscopically, culturally, morphologically and biochemically using standard microbiological methods. The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococus aureus, Proteus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp, for bacterial isolates and Aspergillus sp, Trichophyton sp., Pencillium sp., Microsporurn sp. and Yeast for fungal isolates. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest percentage occurrence in wristwatches, bracelets and jewelries. This was attributed to it being a normal flora of the human skin, while Proteus sp. had the least percentage occurrence. The percentage occurrence of the fungal isolates were generally low, with Yeast having the highest percentage occurrence and Penicilliurn sp. having the least percentage occurrence. The effect of test detergents (Omo, Ariel and Klin) on these microorganisms was investigated using agar well diffusion method. Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest sensitivity to Omo while Bacillus sp. showed the least sensitivity to Orno. Escherichia coli showed the highest sensitivity to Aeriel while Streptococcus sp. gave the least sensitivity. Proteus sp. showed the highest sensitivity to KIm while Staphylococcus aureus gave the least sensitivity. All the test organisms were resistant to Aeriel and KIm at 25mg/mi. The detergents showed varying Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations ranging from 25mg/mi to 50mg/mi and 100mg/mi. Yeast showed the highest sensitivity to Omo while Penicilliurn sp. gave the least sensitivity. Microsporum sp. gave the highest sensitivity to Aeriel while Penicillium sp. gave the least sensitivity. Yeast showed the highest sensitivity to Kim while Penicillium sp. gave the least sensitivity. Inhibitory activity demonstrated by these detergents indicates that they can be employed as sanitizing agents for jewelries.