Bacterial population of environmental surfaces in child-care centres in Omoku and Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to enumerate the bacterial population isolated from environmental surfaces in child-care centres Omoku and Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Four Nigeria were selected for samples different (Table, play mat, toilet seat, feeding area, diaper changing toys, window door handle surfaces) using sterile swab sticks moistened with peptone water. Aliquots 0.1 ml 103 dilutions inoculated on agar plates culture media spread-plate method. following used inoculation; Mannitol salt agar, Eosine methylene blue MacConkey Salmonella-Shigella Nutrient agar. incubated at 35 °C about 24 hours. An indirect cell count performed which number colonies produced various counted recorded, information calculate amount microorganisms original sample. total heterotrophic counts diapers four schools located ranged 3.6×104 7.7×104 CFU/cm2 while those obtained Harcourt 2.2×104 6.1×104 CFU/cm2. coliform, faecal staphylococcal 3.1×104 3.7×104, 2.8×102 3.9×102, 0.3×103 1.4×103, 0.4×103 3.5×103 respectively. While that 0.4×104 3.3×104, 0.8×102 5.0×102, 0.8×103 4.7×103 3.8×103 18.5×103 mean coliform 0.9×103 4.8×103 CFU/cm2, 0.2×103 0.32×103 load areas 0.7×104 1.6×104 range 8×104 1.3×104CFU/cm2 recorded Harcourt. mats 0.1×104 4.3×104 0.3×104 0.40×104 There significant differences (p< 0.05) bacteria tables, seats both toys. playmat showed no variance These results revealed high prevalence these isolates facilities especially staphylococci is public health importance as they could pose danger. Good hygiene including washing hands mopping floors disinfectants clean water highly recommended.