Door Handle Research Articles

Synthesis and evaluation of bio-based Poly(oxime-urethane) with intrinsic antimicrobial properties

Intrinsic antimicrobial properties can give polyurethanes a wider range of applications. In this work, the bio-based chain extender, 2,5-diformylfuran dioxime (DFFD) possessing antimicrobial characteristic, is used to synthesize the intrinsically antimicrobial poly(oxime-urethane) (Dx-PU) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG-1000), and its properties are investigated. The results show that the tensile strength is 19.12 ± 0.49 MPa, the Young’s modulus of the poly(oxime-urethane) is 118.70 ± 11.40 MPa. The elongation at break and Shore A hardness were 292 ± 11 % and 93 ± 2, respectively. Additionally, the Dx-PU demonstrated a high thermal decomposition temperature of over 250 °C and a low glass transition temperature of the soft segments at approximately −60 °C. Meanwhile, research on Dx-PU coating has demonstrated that Dx-PU coating is 100 % antimicrobial against E. coli and S. aureus, and is suitable for use on a wide range of substrates, including glass, engineering plastics, metal and leather with excellent adhesion (ISO 0), pencil hardness (2H), impact resistance (0.5 m·kg) and flexibility (2 mm). The Dx-PU coating also has significant antibacterial performance in everyday environments. The outstanding flexibility, moderate Young’s modulus, high elongation at break, good thermal resistance, and excellent antimicrobial performance of Dx-PU make it highly suitable for applications on high-contact surfaces such as hospital walls, public sanitation facilities, countertops, and door handles. As a bio-based chain extender from renewable sources, DFFD offers new solutions for the synthesis of bio-based antimicrobial polyurethane and its coatings.

Evaluation of mechanical properties of natural fiber based polymer composite

Natural fiber based polymer composites are eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials, with greater mechanical properties, biodegradability, availability, ease of access, and affordability. Jute fiber is widely recognized as one of the most important and beneficial natural fibers due to its strength, durability, and biodegradability. In this study, the jute composite is designed and fabricated using a 5-layer jute and epoxy resin, utilizing the manual hand lay-up technique. The combination of 52.5 % jute and 47.5 % of epoxy resin and harder is found optimized to achieve the goals of improving the tensile strength and flexural strength, reducing the cost of epoxy resin, and promoting eco-friendliness and sustainability. Tensile testing was performed on a universal testing machine, while flexural testing was done with a three-point bending test. Experimentally, the composites reinforced with jute and epoxy resin were capable of achieving the required levels of tensile strength (42.91 MPa) and bending strength (69.30 MPa). To validate and visualize specimens, numerical analysis was performed on the ABAQUS simulation software. The numerical simulation utilized ASTM D3039 and ASTM D7264 as the specified requirements for tensile and flexural behavior. For validation, these tensile and flexural test results were then numerically analyzed and compared to the experimental data. Finally, composite design, fabrication, and optimization can improve mechanical properties, reduce composite weight, lower resin cost, and increase sustainability. The proposed design and composition can be implemented to achieve lightweight properties in various applications, such as car components, door handle sheets, bicycle seat backs, and luggage covers.

Proposal of Design about Electricity Bill on Door Knob to Cognize and Induce Behavior for Energy Saving

Proposal of Design about Electricity Bill on Door Knob to Cognize and Induce Behavior for Energy Saving

ATP-based assessments of recent cleaning and disinfection for high-touch surfaces in low-resource shared toilets

Quality improvements and reduction of disease risk for low-resource shared sanitation facilities require cleanliness assessment approaches that are both rigorous and practical. Using Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence testing, we assessed contamination on high-touch (HT) surfaces (inner door handles) at 32 shared toilet sites in Kisumu, Kenya. In public toilets, contamination was lowest after cleaning and disinfection (C&D) with 0.5% chlorine solution (adjusted difference in mean log10 Relative Light Units per 100 cm2 (aDiff): −1.61; CI: −2.43, −0.59), followed by C&D with 0.1% chlorine solution (aDiff: −1.16; CI: −1.77, −0.55). ATP levels were not associated with overall observable toilet cleanliness and had poor agreement with visually assessed HT surface cleanliness. Our findings demonstrate the utility of this field-feasible method for detecting the impact of recent C&D in low-resource shared toilets, a novel setting for ATP cleanliness testing, while also highlighting the importance of using effective C&D procedures and addressing HT surfaces within cleaning protocols.

WITHDRAWN: An Experimental and Numerical Approach to Evaluate Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber-Based Polymer Composites

One of the best natural fibers is jute fiber because of its availability, ease of access, and affordability. It has some highly intriguing qualities, including biodegradability and high strength. In this study, the jute composite is designed and fabricated using a 5-layer jute and epoxy resin, utilizing the manual hand lay-up technique. The combination of 52.5% jute and 47.5% of epoxy resin and harder is found optimized to achieve the goals of improving the tensile strength and flexural strength, reducing the weight of the composite, reducing the cost of epoxy resin, and promoting eco-friendliness and sustainability. Tensile testing was performed on a universal machine, while flexural testing was done with a three-point bending test. Experimentally, the composites reinforced with jute and epoxy resin were capable of achieving the required levels of tensile strength (42.91 MPa) and bending strength (69.30 MPa). To validate and visualize specimens, numerical analysis was performed on the ABAQUS simulation software. The numerical simulation utilized ASTM D3039 and ASTM D7264 as the specified requirements for tensile and flexural behavior. For validation, the results of these tensile and flexural tests were then numerically analyzed and compared to the experimental data. Finally, the composite design, fabrication, and optimization can improve mechanical properties, reduce composite weight, lower resin cost, and increase sustainability. The proposed design and composition will be implemented to achieve lightweight properties in various applications such as car components, door handle sheets, bicycle seat backs, and luggage covers.

Contamination of a drug consumption room with drugs and potential risks for social health care workers

BackgroundStudies have shown that contamination of surfaces by illicit drugs frequently occurs in forensic laboratories when manipulating seized samples as well as in pharmacies and hospitals when preparing medicinal drugs. In this project, we extended these studies to a Drug Consumption Room to investigate drug levels and possible exposure of the staff members.MethodsWe investigated pre and post cleaning contamination by heroin and cocaine and their degradation products 6-monoacetylmorphine and benzoylecgonine on different surfaces (tables, counters, computers and door handles) and in the ambient air. We also collected urine and hair samples from staff members to check for potential short and long term contaminations.ResultsMedium to heavy contamination has been detected on most surfaces and door handles; as expected, air contamination was particularly high in the smoking room. Drug levels were < LOD to very low in the urine and the hair samples of staff members tested.ConclusionThe cleaning efficiency of the surfaces, carried out by staff and drug users after drug consumption, was often not satisfactory. The very low drug levels in hair indicate that acute health risks for staff members are low.

Decontamination of patient bathroom surfaces with 405 nm violet-blue light irradiation in a real-life setting

Irradiation with violet-blue light (VBL), in the spectrum of 405-450 nm, has been reported to be effective against pathogenic bacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate if VBL irradiation could reduce the level of surface contamination at seven shared patient's bathrooms in two wards at a hospital in Sweden. Repeated sampling of five separate surfaces (door handle, tap water handle, floor, toilet seat and toilet armrest) was performed in the bathrooms where 405 nm light-emitting diode spotlights had been installed. A prospective study with a cross-over design was carried out, which included two study periods, first with the spotlights either switched on or off and a second study period with the opposite spotlight status. In total, 665 surface samples were collected during the study (133 samples per surface). Bacterial growth were found in 84 % of all samples. The most common findings were CoNS and Bacillus spp. The median cfu/cm2 was 15 (IQR 5-40) for all surfaces. In our main outcome, mean cfu/cm2 of all surfaces in a bathroom, no difference was observed with or without VBL. Clean surfaces (<5 cfu/cm2) were more commonly observed in bathrooms with VBL, also when controlling for confounding factors. No difference was observed in number of heavily contaminated surfaces. We could not safely demonstrate an additive effect on bacterial surface levels when adding VBL to routine cleaning in shared patient bathrooms.

Comparative analysis of antimicrobial activity leaf extracts against prevalent Bacterial flora Associated with doorknobs at MIET, Meerut (U.P)

Microorganisms can be found everywhere, bacteria and fungi contaminate the human body, our houses, workplaces, and our environment. Fortunately, among many billions of bacteria, only 1500 can be dangerous to our health, causing different diseases such as pneumonia or skin infection. The human hand serves as a medium for the propagation of microorganisms from place to place, and from person to person. Although, it is nearly impossible for the hand to be free of microorganisms, as the presence of pathogenic bacteria may lead to chronic or acute illness. Every day, door handles are often hotspots for bacteria, public handles especially because of the frequent and inevitable use of most door handles, it can often be expected that bacteria are present. Many factors determine the suitability and population of bacteria. The material of the handle itself contributes to the growth of bacteria, with most door handles being constructed with stainless steel which is a more suitable home for bacteria. The material affects the time bacteria can survive on door handles; but more so, the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air, depending on these bacteria can thrive anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Human hands usually harbor microorganisms both as part of the body's normal flora as well as transient microbes contacted from the environment. People come into contact with a variety of fomites on a regular basis, and bacterial and fungal infections are on the rise.Investigators looked at the microbial growthconnected to the use of door knobs by students at MIETCOLLEGE OF EDUCATION BAGHPAT BYPASS MEERUT. 50 door knobs were randomly chosen for microbiological analysis. The samples were examined by means of conventional microbiological techniques. Haemolytic Streptococci, Bacillus species, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, and Staphylococcus aureus were among the bacteria that were identified from the earphones. Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., and Rhizopus spp. were the fungi that were isolated. Staph. aureus, 12 (24%), are among the bacteria that were isolated from the door knobs. A substantial difference in the mean occurrence values of the isolates from the two groups was shown by statistical analysis (P 0.05). The study came to the conclusion that microbial growth does increase with frequent and continuous use of door knobs in comparison to nonfrequent use of door by comparing the occurrence values of the isolates from the two groups of door knobs users. The isolates found were screened for their antimicrobial activity and rose leaf propanol extract has the best antimicrobial effect against the isolated microbes. . Key Word; Microbial Contamination, Door, Handles, Knobs, s bacteria, medicinalplants, antimicrobial activity.

Neural network-based algorithm for door handle recognition using RGBD cameras

The ability to recognize and interact with a variety of doorknob designs is an important component on the path to true robot adaptability, allowing robotic systems to effectively interact with a variety of environments and objects The problem addressed in this paper is to develop and implement a method for recognizing the position of a door handle by a robot using data from an RGBD camera. To achieve this goal, we propose a revolutionary approach designed for autonomous robots that allows them to identify and manipulate door handles in different environments using data obtained from RGBD cameras. This was achieved by creating and annotating a complete dataset consisting of 5000 images of door handles from different angles, with the coordinates of the vertices of the bounding rectangles labeled. The architectural basis of the proposed approach is based on MobileNetV2, combined with a special decoder that optimally increases the resolution to 448 pixels. A new activation function specially designed for this neural network is implemented to ensure increased accuracy and efficiency of raw data processing. The most important achievement of this study is the model's ability to work in real-time, processing up to 16 images per second. This research paves the way for new advancements in the fields of robotics and computer vision, making a substantial contribution to the practical deployment of autonomous robots in a myriad of life's spheres.

تقيم التلوث الميكروبي في بعض المدارس الابتدائية في وادي جارف- سرت, ليبيا

Pathogenic bacteria pose a serious risk in schools, where students come into contact with a variety of microbes on a daily basis. Classrooms are thought to be ideal environments for young children to harbor germs. The current study sought to determine the extent of the spread of bacteria in different places in primary schools, as well as to determine whether the schools are sterile and clean for children or whether they are the real cause of their illness. Samples were taken from the primary schools. The schools are located in Wadi Jaref ,Sirte. 30 samples were collected from different classrooms and from places the student comes into contact with, such as door handles, desk, and children’s hands. The organisms isolated in this study, based on colonial morphological, and biochemical characteristics the results showed the presence of bacteria Staphylococci epidermidis(35%), Staphylococcus aureus (22%), Esherichia coli (13%), klebsiella pp, micrococcus and Streptococcus (9%), bacillus(4%). The study showed that the largest number of bacterial colonies (Colony Forming Units) (CFU) found on the hands (75 CFU), Desks(26 CFU) and Door handles (22 CFU). This study emphasized the wide range of possible diseases and demonstrated the presence of harmful bacteria in primary schools. This is related to the increasing number of students in primary schools which lack proper hygiene conditions and due to the failure to carry out routine cleaning and sterilization of schools and the lack of facilities. Keywords: Primary schools, Bacteria, Contamination, Microorganisms, Children, Colony, Wadi Jaref, Sirte.

Microbial Carriage of Shuttle Door Handles and Campus Bank’s Automated Teller Machines

Microorganisms are ubiquitous organisms that can cause microbial contamination in both indoor and outdoor settings, with frequently touched surfaces acting as environmental reservoirs that increase the ability of pathogens to be transferred from host to host. This study was aimed at isolating, identifying and characterizing bacteria and fungi present on frequently used Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and campus shuttle bus handles at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. Swab samples were obtained from the keypads of ATMs and door handles of campus shuttle buses. Enumeration of total microbial counts was carried out using the pour plating technique. The bacterial isolates were identified using Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology based on the results obtained from microscopic examination, cultural and morphological examination and biochemical tests. Meanwhile, the fungal isolates were identified using the Atlas and Compendium of Soil Fungi, based on the results obtained from cultural and morphological examination, as well as microscopic examination. The antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility pattern of the isolated microorganisms was also determined. Results showed that the ATM keypads and shuttle door handles contained Staphylococcus aureus (8.82%), Bacillus spp. (32.35%), Proteus mirabilis (8.82%), Escherichia coli (5.88), Salmonella spp. (5.88%), Enterobacter cloacae (5.88%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.94%), Citrobacter freundii (2.94%), Vibrio cholerae (2.94%), Serratia marcescens (2.94%), Aspergillus spp. (5.88%), Cladosporium sp. (2.94%), Geomyces sp. (2.94%), Oidiodendron griseum robak (2.94%), Penicillium paneum (2.94%) and Fusarium culmorum (2.94%). The zone of inhibition for the bacteria and fungi isolates ranged from 4mm to 36 mm, with ciprofloxacin being the most effective antibiotic. This study shows that campus shuttles and ATMs, aside from their primary functions, could also serve as a means of transmitting both pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, which pose public health risks. Personal hygiene and sanitation, such as hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer to clean hands, could serve as a means of reducing the incidence of microbial transmission.

Aspects Regarding the Conceptual Optimization of Design and Prototyping Manufacturing

Every product initially starts with a creative idea, more or less feasible, or a patented idea transformed into a finished product. This idea takes shape through a market research study. These studies of analysis and needs present technological opportunities while outlining step by step the concept-prototype version. Thus, based on computerassisted simulations, the prototype is once again subjected to a systemic analysis to define and optimize the final product, as well as the technological flow associated with the entire manufacturing process applied to the concept. The paper proposes a synthesis analysis regarding innovative conceptual design, also presenting a case study applied to a product that involves a new concept in the market, specifically a decorative element, an ornament for doors (shield), so that the door handle matches the door's style

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Antimicrobial Touch Surfaces to Prevent Cross-Contamination.

Infection diseases are a major threat to global public health, with nosocomial infections being of particular concern. In this context, antimicrobial coatings emerge as a promising prophylactic strategy to reduce the transmission of pathogens and control infections. Here, antimicrobial door handle covers to prevent cross-contamination are prepared by incorporating iodine-loaded UiO-66 microparticles into a potentially biodegradable polyurethane polymer (Baycusan eco E 1000). These covers incorporate MOF particles that serve as both storage reservoirs and delivery systems for the biocidal iodine. Under realistic touching conditions, the door handle covers completely inhibit the transmission of Gram-positive bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis), Gram-negative bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii), and fungi (Candida albicans). The covers remain effective even after undergoing multiple contamination cycles, after being cleaned, and when tinted to improve discretion and usability. Furthermore, as the release of iodine from the door handle covers follow hindered Fickian diffusion, their antimicrobial lifetime is calculated to be as long as approximately two years. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of these antimicrobial door handle covers to prevent cross-contamination, and underline the efficacy of integrating MOFs into innovative technologies.

Design and Fabrication of Recycling Non Bio Degradable Materials Into Products

This project focuses on recycling non-biodegradable materials to help the environment from global waste and pollution. It investigates methods to transform non- biodegradable materials into new products, aiming to reduce environmental damage caused by solid waste. It will select specific solvents that match the type of plastic to make recycling more effective. The combination of mechanical and chemical operation is used for achieving the objective of the project. The shredder machine is used for mechanical operation and the acetone solvent is used for chemical operation. The process starts with collecting plastic materials and sorting them manually based on their properties. The sorted materials undergo various stages. The waste materials are cleaned with water and crushed using a shredder machine. Chemical treatment (acetone) is used to dissolve the crushed pellets. The acetone takes 2-3 hours to react with the plastic. After this period, the waste materials transition into a semi-solid stage. In this stage, some adhesive materials are mixed with the dissolved plastic to improve the bonding strength and surface finishing of the final product. The semi-solid plastic is then fed into a die for the development of new products such as table bushes and door handles. The solvent added to the plastic is evaporated after 30 minutes of drying in sunlight. After the evaporation of acetone from the die, the final product is obtained. The final specimens undergo mechanical testing such as hardness test, tensile test and compression test. By utilizing a shredder machine and acetone, this project demonstrates how non-biodegradable materials can be turned into useful products, helping to reduce waste and protect the environment

UV-mediated photochemical synthesis and investigation of the antiviral properties of Silver nanoparticle-polyvinyl butyral nanocomposite coatings as a novel antiviral material with high stability and activity

Effectively developing new antimicrobial surfaces for viral diseases requires considerable research, money, and time. Moreover, new species of microorganisms and pathogens are constantly appearing or entering from other regions, which can cause epidemics or pandemics. The ongoing presence of SARS-CoV-2 underscores the need to develop new antimicrobial materials. In this context, a novel UV-irradiated photochemical in-situ synthesis method is introduced for producing durable, long-lasting antiviral silver-polymer (AgNP-PVB) nanocomposite coatings. These coatings are intended to mitigate infectious disease transmission across various frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, keypads, bank encoders, telephone locks, lift buttons, etc. Additionally, the significance of the size and concentration of AgNP in influencing the physical and antiviral properties of these nanocomposite coatings is illustrated. Detailed studies of AgNP-PVB coatings were conducted using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The antiviral properties of the coatings were evaluated by a one-step reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (one-step qRT‒PCR) using synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Raman spectra signatures confirm AgNPs in the PVB matrix by matching identified peaks in X-ray diffractograms. AFM analysis revealed a reduction in AgNP size in the nanocomposite with an increase in the irradiation duration from 5 to 30 min. Spectroscopic results corresponding to AFM measurements highlighted specific wavelengths related to different AgNP size ranges. Contact angle measurements suggest that antiviral activity can be predicted by calculating the surface free energy (SFE) of the sample. As the SFE value increases, antiviral activity decreases. Nanocomposite coatings (with concentrations of 150, 200, 500, and 1000 ppm AgNP) are effective in reducing the activity of SARS-CoV-2, indicating their potential as long-acting preventive agents against viral infections. A methodology incorporating a specialized algorithm was devised for the application of the investigated coatings, which also integrates 3D scanning and printing techniques for fabricating complex geometry flexible protective cover. Subsequently, this coating was applied to produce a protective cover for the widely utilized public object, the door handle, employing 3D printing technology. As a result of the work, a long-term, durable antiviral AgNP-PVB nanocomposite coating with varying AgNP sizes (ranging from 15 to 118 nm) and concentrations (150, 200, 500, and 1000 ppm) was successfully developed.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolation on Door Handles at X Building in Jakarta

Bacteria are one of the component parts in every ecosystem. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a normal surface flora of the human body, as a temporary contaminant on inanimate objects such as clothing, cutlery and doorknobs, but also a oportunistic even pathogen on the host. The mutated strain of S. aureus has a cross-resistant strain against all antibiotics of the Beta Lactam, Methicillin, Oxacillin and Flucloxacillin groups, called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This research is needed because MRSA is a strain of bacteria that can be everywhere, especially in public facilities, such as doorknobs, which can be a place of transmission (transfer) of bacteria from one host to another. The samples in this study were taken by swabbing from the door handle in building X, Jakarta. A total of 62 samples were then cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) media, the growing isolate was tested by Gram staining, catalase test, and mannitol. Isolate suspected of Staphylococcus aureus, ascertained whether MRSA strain using 30 μg antibiotic C efoxitin (fox) disc. The results of this study showed that 58 (87%) isolates were Staphylococcus aureus and sensitive to C efoxitin antibiotics, 8 (13%) isolates, mnitol test negative, sensitive to Ceroxitin antibiotics. The study concluded that the bacterial isolate found was Staphylococcus aureus sensitive methicillin (MSSA), no MRSA was found.

Microbiological Examination of Washbasin, Faucet Heads and Toilet Door Handles of the Students’ Toilets at a State University

Microbiological Examination of Washbasin, Faucet Heads and Toilet Door Handles of the Students’ Toilets at a State University

Investigation of the Multidrug Resistance Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Car and Office Door Handles in a Tertiary Institution

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have posed a public health concern over the years, especially with the difficulty and cost of treatment of infections they cause. Fomites such as door handles are thus potent means through which pathogens are transmitted from one person to another as contact with them is made. This study thus involves isolating antibiotic-resistant bacteria from car and office door handles in a university environment. Using the simple random sampling method, twenty samples (20) from car door handles and twenty samples (20) from office door handles were collected, the isolation of bacteria was done using standard microbiological procedures and identification of the isolates was done using cultural, microscopic and biochemical characterization. Determination of the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar. Antibiotics used included Ofloxacin (5 µg), Gentamicin (10 µg), Ceftriaxone (30 µg), Augmentin (30 µg), Ciprofloxacin (5 µg), Erythromycin (5 µg), Streptomycin (30 µg) and Cloxacillin (30 µg). The results showed a significant frequency of occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus at 35% and Klebsiella pneumoniae having least at 5%. From car door handles, S. epidermidis recorded 37% while K. pneumoniae recorded the least with 17.4%. The isolates exhibited resistance to antibiotics including Augmentin and Ceftriaxone (≤22 mm) while they were more susceptible to Ofloxacin (≥16 mm). All the K. pneumoniae isolated from car door handles exhibited resistance to Augmentin and Ceftriaxone. These results show that these surfaces could be a possible reservoir of infections caused by resistant bacteria, leading to difficulty in the treatment of infections caused by them.

Carriage of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on dogs, surfaces, and personnel at University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, North-central Nigeria

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is considered a primary pathogen of canine skin and soft tissue infections, which can be found in several sites of the body, including nares, perineum-rectum, and mouth. The importance of this bacteria has brought this study to determine the carriage and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. pseudintermedius from dogs, personnel (Veterinarians and Animal health attendants), and surfaces (door handles, examination tables, weighing scales, thermometers, drip stands and trays, floors, and refrigerators doors) at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Two hundred and ten (n = 210) swab samples were collected and continued to phenotypic bacteriologic culture identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Fifty (50) questionnaires were collected from dog owners for demographic information and other variables. The result showed that 65.7% (138/210) of S. pseudintermedius phenotypes were recovered from dogs, surfaces, and personnel. Overall, male dogs had a higher carriage of 73.3% (11/15) than females of 65.7% (23/35). The total carriage per body part was 74% (37/50) in the nasal cavity, 72% (36/50) in the perineum, and 58% (29/50) in the oral cavity. A total of dogs sampled 10% (5/50) had a history of previous surgeries within the last 6 months and 64% (32/50) of antimicrobial use for either prophylaxis or therapeutic purposes. Frequency of dog baths showed 42% (21/50) at least twice a week, while the others 58% (29/50) responded that they bathed their dogs if only necessary. All personnel revealed 100% (10/10) of S. pseudintermedius phenotypes in their nasal cavity, while 52% (26/50) of surfaces within the Veterinary Hospital were contaminated with S. pseudintermedius. Seventy-one 71% of the Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes, with a very high resistance to tetracycline (67.6%) and erythromycin (44.9%).

Microbiological Assessment of Car Doors and Steering Wheels at Benue State University, Makurdi: Public Health Implications

Microbiological assessments of car surfaces remain a fundamental approach to control hotspots of microbial contamination. This study was aimed at assessing the level microbial contaminations associated with car doors and steering wheel of cars within the faculty of science, Benue state university, Makurdi. A total of forty (40) samples were collected in duplicates. These included twenty duplicate samples from car door handles and twenty duplicate samples from car steering wheels respectively using sterile swab sticks and transported to Charis Research and Diagnostic laboratory for analysis. The samples were analysed using cultural, biochemical and morphological techniques. The results revealed that the heterotrophic bacterial count range from 1.97 x 104 to2.41 x 104 CFU/cm2 while the fungi count range from 1.9 x 103 to 3.7 x 103 CFU/cm2. Staphylococcus spp. had the highest occurrence of 14(70%) and 9(45%), Proteus spp. had an occurrence of 6(30%) and 2(10%) for car door handles and car steering wheels while there was no detection of Salmonella in all the samples assessed. The fungi occurrence rate observed was Aspergillus spp. [7(35%)] for car door handle and 3(15%) for car steering wheel while Rhizopus spp. had a prevalence rate of 4(20%) for car door handle and 1(5%) for car steering wheel. This study affirmed that car surfaces could serve as a reservoir of potential pathogens. Hence, routine disinfection of these surfaces is very important.