Shared Computer Keyboards as Pathogenic Microorganisms Contamination Sources
Journal Title: Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 9
Abstract
Computer keyboards can contribute to the spread of microorganisms, mainly when shared by multiple users. Evaluate bacterial and fungal contamination in shared computers keyboards used in a University and propose preventing measures. This research has an investigative, descriptive and transversal design. Keyboards from 60 computers of collective use were randomly selected. Surface samples were collected with sterile swabs and moistened in 0.9% NaCl solution. The swabs were rubbed against the surface of the keyboards and then stored in Stuart's transport medium and sent to the Bacteriology Research Laboratory of the Souza Marques Medicine School. The material was seeded in the culture medias blood agar, hypertonic-mannitol-agar, Sabouraud-dextrose-agar and Micosel. Bacterial colonies were identified through morphotinorial characters, biological and biochemical tests. Yeasturiform fungi were identified by biochemical tests and the filamentous fungi through morphotinorial and cultural characters. From the 60 examined samples, 10 different bacteria species were isolated: Bacillusspp 18 (30%), Enterococcusspp 5 (8.33%), Streptococcus alfa-haemolyticus 8 (13.33%), Escherichia coli 4 (67%), Klebsiellaspp 2 (3.33%), Enterobacterspp 6 (10%), Proteusspp 1 (1.67%), Neisseria spp 3 (4%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 (8.33%), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus 32 (53.3%). Isolated fungi: Candida albicans 3 (5%), Penicilliumspp 15 (25%), Aspergillusniger 8 (13,33%), Aspergillusfumigatus 2 (3,33%), Alternariaspp 4 (6,67%), Epidermophytonfloccosum 2 (3.33%), Fusariumspp 7 (11.67%), Rhodotorulaspp 10 (16.67%). The keyboards of the shared computers were contaminated with fungal and bacterial elements, and among them E.coli, evidence of faecal contamination. This contamination occurs due to the high turnover of users with different hygiene habits. Thus, a hygiene protocol is required to minimize contamination of computer’s keyboards.
Authors and Affiliations
Gabriel Priolli Bettamio Andrade, Paula Amaral Silva Perini Fiorot, Thaís Sales Amendola, Antonio Neres Norberg
Keywords
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