Comparative Evaluation Of Microorganisms Isolated From Male And Female Used Handkerchiefs In Mouau:- Ukachukwu Blessing O

ABSTRACT

 This study evaluated the microorganisms isolated from male and female used handkerchiefs. A total often (10) samples were collected which comprises of male and female handkerchief<; and were taken immediately to the microbiology laboratory for bacteriological analysis. A sterile swab stick was used to swab the samples and streak on the plate and was incubated at 370C for 24hrs. The organisms that gave significant growth were identified by Gram stain and biochemical tests. The bacteria isolated were Stahylococcus aureus, Salmonella species. Shigella species and Escherichia coli while the fungi isolated from the samples were Asper gillus flavus and Fusariwn species. They were identified using colonial morphologies and staining with Lactophenol cotton blue. From the result, Escherichia coli had highest percentage occurrences of (28.57%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (26.53%),and Salmonella species (24.48%) while the lowest percentage was seen in Shigella species (20.42%). For the fungal isolates, Aspergillus flavus (75%) had the highest percentage occurrence followed by Fusarium species (25%) with the lower percentage. Due to the isolation of these microorganisms, the management of handkerchief is of great importance as to reduce the spread or infections.