F.O EKHAISE

Lecture theatre tables serve as potential reservoirs for bacterial contamination, posing a risk of microbial transmission among students and staff. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial species from tables in lecture theatres within the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts were determined over two weeks, with values ranging from 1.88 ± 1.00 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² to 3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/cm². The highest bacterial load was recorded in the Microbiology Lecture Theatre (3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² in Week 2), while the lowest was observed in the Optometry Lecture Theatre (1.88 ± 1.00 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² in Week 1). Biochemical characterization and standard taxonomic references identified six bacterial genera: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus. Among these, Staphylococcus spp. (31%) exhibited the highest occurrence, while Pseudomonas spp. (10%) had the lowest. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns, with Bacillus spp. being the most sensitive, whereas Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli displayed resistance to multiple antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.2 to 0.4, with Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli exhibiting the highest resistance. The findings underscore the need for regular sanitation of lecture theatre surfaces to mitigate the risk of bacterial transmission and potential health implications.

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.

Door handles are frequently touched surfaces that can serve as reservoirs for bacterial continuation contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, especially in hig-traffic environments such as universities. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from door handles sampled at different faculties within the University of Benin, assesing microbial load and antibiotic resistance patterns. Total bacterial counts(TBC) varied across faculties, with the Faculty of Physical Sciences(FPS) exhibiting the highest count(4.03 = 0.32 * 10 cfu/cm2 ) in 1 week, while the faculty of life sciences(FLC) recorded the highest count(4.50 = 0.25 *10cfu/cm2) in 2 weeks.