Microbiological Survey of Frequently Touched Car Interior Surfaces.

This study investigated the microbiological quality of frequently touched car interior surfaces. A total of ten (10) car interior surfaces were sampled. The cover of the swab stick was removed and the moistened cotton wool was rubbed on the car interior surfaces such as; door handles and front chair hand rails. Standard microbiological methods were adopted in the isolation and identification of microorganisms from the car interior surfaces. Total viable bacterial count ranged from 3.0 x 104 cfu/swab to 5.4 x 104 cfu/swab, total coliform count ranged from 2.0 x 103 cfu/swab to 8.0 x 103 cfu/swab while total fungal count 4.0 x 103 cfu/swab to 1.8 x 10* cfu/swab. Bacterial isolates were; Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Escherichia and Micrococcus species. Bacillus species 7(25.0%) had the highest bacteria frequency while Escherichia species 1(3.6%) had the least bacteria frequency. Fungal isolates were; Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor and Candida species. Aspergillus species 7(35.0%) had the highest fungi frequency while Candida species 2(10.0%) had the least fungi frequency. The presence of these microorganisms could be linked as a result of multiple passengers of the different cars. In the light of this, there is need therefore for thorough hand washing with disinfection and conscientious contact control procedures to minimize the spread of these pathogens.