ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Door handles in public spaces serve as potential reservoirs for microbial contamination, posing risks for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and assess the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial contaminants on door handles of selected banks within the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research was conducted across five banks within the university campus, selected due to their high patronage, which increases the likelihood of microbial contamination. Sterile swab samples were collected from both entrance and interior door handles of each bank over a two-week period, during peak business hours (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM). The collected swabs were transferred into sterile peptone water and transported to the microbiology laboratory within one hour for bacterial analysis. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) was determined using standard culture techniques, with counts ranging from 2.03 ± 0.03 × 10⁴ CFU/ml (Bank D) to 4.72 ± 0.31 × 10⁴ CFU/ml (Bank E). Biochemical and morphological characterization of isolates identified seven bacterial species, including Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella sp. The frequency of occurrence varied, with Escherichia coli having the highest prevalence (28%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. (20%), while Pseudomonas sp. had the lowest occurrence (12%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing against ten commonly used antibiotics revealed varying resistance patterns among isolates. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.3 to 0.5, with the highest recorded for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., and Micrococcus sp. The results highlight significant bacterial contamination on frequently touched surfaces, emphasizing the need for regular disinfection and improved hygiene practices in high-contact public spaces.

Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida species has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. The development of Candida species infection depends on several factors such as age, sex, and immunity of the host-pathogen relationship. Regarding this, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of candida species in urine of female. The current study was conducted on fifty (50) urine samples collected from female students within the age of 17 to 24 residing in university of Benin using a sterile universal container. Each of the collected samples was diluted serially and incubated in petri dish containing Sabourad Dextrose Agar (SDA) at 37 0C for 72hours. After subculturing, Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining, sugar fermentation test and microscopic morphological examination. Result shows that, the color of a urine sample is not an indicating factor of the presence of candida (infection) as candida growth were significantly present in all color types. According to the results, 40%, 20%, 17.1%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 5.7% and 5.7% of the isolates were identified as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, Candida parasiliosis, Candida pseudotropicalis and Cadida glabrata, respectively. Our result showed no significant correlation between age and prevalence of Candida in the urine. Based on the obtained results, Candida albicans species was the most prevalent Candida species. Hence, Candida. albicans are the main course of urinary tract infections in female.

Poultry products is one of the most consumed animal products worldwide. Poultry products such as meat and eggs is a rich source of protein, fats and minerals. Poultry feed refers to the feedstuff consumed by poultry birds. This study was aimed at isolating fungi from poultry feeds sold in stores in Benin City. Three (3) forms of poultry feeds (mash, starter and finisher) were sampled in five (5) stores in Benin City. The samples were collected aseptically using in sterile polyethylene bags with sterile spatula and labeled accordingly. Serial dilution was made using water as diluent. Enumeration and isolation of fungi was carried out using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA). The pour plate method was employed and were incubated at 28+2°C for 7 days. Temperature and relative humidity of poultry stores were recorded using ThermoPro model (TP49-W-2) thermometer and hygrometer. The total fungal count range was of 0.10x105 on potato dextrose agar froms