Role of Automated Teller Machine Keypads in the Proliferation of Bacteria: A Public Health Concern
Authors: Akinnibosun FI, Adetitun JA
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
The role of automated teller machine (ATM) keypads in the proliferation of bacteria was investigated in this research. Isolates and their prevalence in bank ATMs in Benin City were: Klebsiella sp. (8.16%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.28%), Proteus vulgaris (8.83%), Escherichia coli (12.58%), Micrococcus luteus (3.75%), Bacillus subtilis (10.15%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.46%), Corynebacteria sp. (8.60%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (19.42%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (11.58%). Total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) by banks ranged from 1.16±0.43 × 102 cfu/cm2 (Bank I) to 2.22± 0.58×102 cfu/cm2 (Bank K). Total coliform count (TCC) ranged from Nil (Bank B and G) to 1.37 ± 2.11×102 cfu/cm2 (Bank I). By location and time, THBC ranged from 1.27 ± 0.63×102 cfu/cm2 (UUC) to 1.60 ± 0.43×102 cfu/cm2 (ER/RR) and 1.38 ± 0.57×102 cfu/cm2 (UUC) to 1.93 ± 0.61×102 cfu/cm2 (UR) for morning and afternoon respectively. TCC ranged from 0.52 ± 0.41×102 cfu/cm2 (UR) to 1.15 ± 0.57×102 cfu/cm2 (UUC) and 0.31 ± 0.50×102 cfu/cm2 (ER/RR) to 1.46 ± 1.49×102 cfu/cm2 (UUC) for morning and afternoon respectively. From the foregoing, it is pertinent to adopt measures aimed at preventing outbreak of diseases from ATM use.
Affiliations: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Automated Teller Machine, Bacteria, Cross Contamination, Hygiene, Prevalence
Published date: 2018/12/30
