Microbial Contamination and Public Health Risk Associated with the Use of Biometric Fingerprinting Clocking Device in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The biometric fingerprinting clocking devices are now commonly being used in Nigeria to record human biodata. This system involves physical contact between the skin and surface of the device, which is likely to be contaminated by microorganisms of multiple users. This study aimed to investigate the role of biometric fingerprinting clocking devices as a potential source for microbial contaminants spreading. Methods: This study was conducted from February to May 2018 and involved samples collected from the surfaces of the biometric fingerprinting device using sterile swabs. Samples were inoculated on MacConkey, Blood, Nutrient, and Sabouraud dextrose agar media and incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours. Colonies from the agar media were characterized biochemically to identify microbial species and their antibiotic susceptibility test was determined by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Totally, 221 samples (92%) containing microbial organisms grew. Bacteria isolated included: Staphylococcus aureus (29.6%), Escherichia coli (19.4%), Bacillus species (17.43%), Klebsiella species (10.2%), Streptococcus species (8.55%), Pseudomonas spp (7.24%), Proteus spp (2%) and Enterococcus spp (0.66%). The majority of the bacteria were resistant to at least two antibiotics used. The fungi isolated were Trichophyton mentagrophytes (25%), Trichophyton rubrum (20%), Epidermophyton species (19%), Mucor species (17%), Aspergillus species (11%), and Microsporum species (5%) to decrease occurrence. Conclusion: Hand disinfection with a proper cleaning regimen is recommended to reduce contamination on the biometric fingerprinting clocking devices.

Keywords

• microbial contaminants
• risk
• public health.
• Biometric fingerprinting clocking devices