ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA ON MOBILE PHONES FROM SELECTED MARKET WOMEN IN BENIN CITY EDO STATE

Mobile phones are frequently exposed to various environmental contaminants and serve as potential reservoirs for bacterial pathogens, particularly among individuals in high-contact occupations such as market women. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial contaminants from mobile phones used by selected market women in Benin City, Edo State, to assess potential public health risks. Total bacterial counts (TBC) ranged from 1.70 ± 0.02 × 10⁴ cfu/m³ to 3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/m³, indicating significant microbial contamination. Morphological and biochemical characterization identified Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Enterococcus sp. Staphylococcus spp. exhibited the highest occurrence (20%), followed by Streptococcus spp. (16%) and Escherichia coli (13%), while Klebsiella sp. had the lowest occurrence (5%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns among isolates. Escherichia coli exhibited resistance to cefotaxime and nitrofurantoin, while Staphylococcus sp. was resistant to cefotaxime and nitrofurantoin but sensitive to ampicillin, levofloxacin, and imipenem. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.3 to 0.5, highlighting the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains with potential public health implications. These findings emphasize the need for improved hygiene practices among market women to minimize bacterial contamination and potential disease transmission.