A Study on the Microbial Diversity and Identification of Microbes under Acrylic Nails

Abstract

The subungual environment beneath acrylic nails provides favorable conditions for microbial growth and contamination; consequently, inadequate hand and nail hygiene may pose significant health risks. This study aimed to assess the microorganisms present beneath acrylic nails. The research objectives included analyzing microbial diversity using morphological characteristics, Gram staining, biochemical assays, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing; along with evaluating hygiene practices among individuals with acrylic nails across three age groups (15–25, 26–35, and 36–45 years). Additionally, variations in microbial load among these age groups were examined using a one-way ANOVA in R Studio. A cross-sectional study design was employed over a three-week period. Samples were collected from an identified nail salon using sterile, moistened cotton swabs from nine individuals representing the three age groups. Both pre-existing (old) and newly applied acrylic nail sets were sampled, resulting in a total of 21 samples, with procedures conducted in triplicates. Samples were cultured on Nutrient Agar and subsequently sub-cultured on Tryptic Soy Agar to obtain pure cultures. The microorganisms identified included Staphylococcus spp. (59%), Klebsiella sp. (18%), Acinetobacter sp. (15%), Corynebacterium sp. (3%), Micrococcus sp. (2.02%), Bacillus sp. (2%), and Alcaligenes sp. (1%). Microbial distribution varied across age groups, with Staphylococcus spp. consistently present in all categories. Some organisms exhibited age-related patterns; for example, Acinetobacter spp. were more prevalent in individuals aged 15–25, Alcaligenes spp. were detected only in the 36–45 age group, and Bacillus spp. were identified exclusively in the 26–35 group. In contrast, Klebsiella spp. showed a relatively uniform distribution across all age groups. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in microbial load among the age groups (P = .12), suggesting that age is not a primary determinant of microbial abundance. Instead, factors such as environmental exposure, hygiene practices, and occupation are likely to play a more influential role. A relatively high Shannon diversity index (H′ = 6.15) was calculated, indicating a high level of microbial diversity beneath artificial nails. Essentially, these findings underscore an important public health concern, emphasizing the need for improved hand/nail hygiene education and practices among individuals with acrylic nails to reduce the risk of microbial contamination and potential infections.