Assessment of Bacteria Found in the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Facilities and Potential Health Impacts

Abstract

Globally, human health is under threat due to the presence of diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Bacteria are found on almost all surfaces with which people come into contact and therefore pose a threat to human health. Antimicrobial resistance is a major health concern as these microorganisms can cause untreatable diseases. I tested the surfaces found in three buildings on the campus of the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa State, for the presence of harmful bacteria. Swabs collected were streaked on lysogeny broth agar to determine if bacteria were present. Selective and differential media were used to identify the type of bacteria found. Also, the samples were subjected to an antimicrobial susceptibility test using replica plating. The result showed the surfaces were contaminated with Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis, with E. coli and E. aerogenes being resistant to ampicillin. This study showed that AUN is not only contaminated with pathogens, but also with bacteria resistant to ampicillin. The institution should provide hand sanitizers around campus and also create awareness programs on the importance of hand washing. Also, the efficiency of cleaning can be increased by making use of stronger agents and increasing the frequency of cleaning.