Public countertops as sources of microbial infections in Calabar, Nigeria

Contamination of inanimate objects and environmental surfaces by microorganisms plays a significant role in the transmission infection. This study was carried out to ascertain countertops as infection source. A total 240 public counters including wood granite, tiles plastics different establishments were screened for presence potential bacterial fungal pathogens using standard microbiological biochemical methods. Countertops swabbed sterile moist swabs cultured peptone water, Blood Agar, CLED, Sabouraud dextrose agar. Of examined, 220 (91.6%) harbored microbes with Police Stations ranking highest 50 (100%) followed Banks 58 (97.0%) while Bakeries had least 10 (66.7%). The prevalence location statistically (p= 0.0001). Wooden more 35 (97.2%) than other p=0.3295). Generally, studied bacteria (90.8%) fungi (12.5%). banks (96.6%) those bakeries (66.7%) whereas police station (24.0%) eateries carrying no at all. Staphylococcus aureus most frequently encountered (95.0%) Proteus mirabilis Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.8% each), Shigella species (1.3%). Candida albicans dominated among isolates (80.0%) Aspergillus (13.3%) Trichophyton rubrum (6.6%). has demonstrated high microbial on which may constitute health risk users. Regular cleaning, periodical assessment cautiousness whenever interacting environment is recommended.