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Abstract
This study investigated the microbial contamination of personal effects belonging to undergraduate students in lecture theaters at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The aim was to isolate, identify, and characterize bacteria and fungi present on frequently handled items such as mobile phones, bags, laptops, wristwatches, earbuds, and power banks, as well as to assess their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Samples were collected using sterile swabs moistened with saline and cultured on Nutrient Agar, MacConkey Agar, Salmonella-ShigellaAgar, and Potato Dextrose Agar following standard microbiological procedures. Bacterial
isolates were characterized using Gram staining and biochemical tests, while fungal isolateswere identified based on macroscopic and microscopic features. The total heterotrophicbacterial count ranged from 0.85 × 10⁴ to 4.75 × 10⁴ CFU/m², and the total fungal count
ranged from 4.0 × 10³ to 9.0 × 10³ CFU/m², with higher microbial loads observed onitemsfrom female students. Five bacterial species were identified: Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus alongside fungal
isolates including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., and Yeast. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin but resistance to tetracycline, metronidazole, and colistin, indicating the presence of multidrug-resistant strains. The findings demonstrate that students’ personal items serve as potential fomites capable of harboring and transmitting pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms within academic environments. This highlights the need for improved hygiene practices, regular disinfection of personal effects, and health education to minimize fomite-mediated infections and safeguard public health.
isolates were characterized using Gram staining and biochemical tests, while fungal isolateswere identified based on macroscopic and microscopic features. The total heterotrophicbacterial count ranged from 0.85 × 10⁴ to 4.75 × 10⁴ CFU/m², and the total fungal count
ranged from 4.0 × 10³ to 9.0 × 10³ CFU/m², with higher microbial loads observed onitemsfrom female students. Five bacterial species were identified: Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus alongside fungal
isolates including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., and Yeast. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin but resistance to tetracycline, metronidazole, and colistin, indicating the presence of multidrug-resistant strains. The findings demonstrate that students’ personal items serve as potential fomites capable of harboring and transmitting pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms within academic environments. This highlights the need for improved hygiene practices, regular disinfection of personal effects, and health education to minimize fomite-mediated infections and safeguard public health.
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