Microorganisms Associated with Barbers Clippers in Rivers State University and Its Environs, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to isolate and identify microorganisms that are associated with barbers’ clippers in some barbers’ shops in Rivers State University and its environment. A total of thirty (30) samples were collected from the various barbing salons both within and around Rivers State University. Sterile swab sticks were used to obtain samples from the surface of the barbers’ clippers and were immediately sealed to prevent contamination. Identification of the microorganisms after culturing was done using Gram staining technique and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was also carried out on the isolated bacteria using disc diffusion method. The result revealed that bacteria were present on the barbers’ clippers. The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent bacteria isolate while Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus epidermis were the least prevalent bacteria isolates, but there were no fungi isolates after fourteen days incubation. The antibiotic susceptibility test showed that Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to ciproflox, erythromycin, levofloxacin, gentamycin and streptomycin; Staphylococcus epidermis was susceptible to most of the antibiotics but resistant to amoxil and norfloxacin; Klebsiella pneumonia was susceptible to gentamycin, streptomycin and nalidixic acid; while Escherichia coli was resistant to all antibiotics. This study has shown that barbers’ clippers harbor bacterial organisms which can be potential pathogens and may promote the spread of infection to human. It is therefore recommended that barbers must properly sterilize their clippers before use on customers, to reduce the spread of infection.