Antibiogram Of Bacteria Isolated From Automated Teller Machines Within Umuahia Metropolis:- Eneh, Sochima R

ABSTRACT

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is used by millions of people each day. This study was aimed at study determining the antibiogram of bacteria isolated from automated teller machines within Umuahia Metropolis 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%, 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.