Bacteriological Evaluation of Some Automated Teller Machine In Akure Metropolis

Abstract

Background: Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) represent a good transient environment for development of pathogenic microbes. Investigation on the level of bacterial contaminants on keypads of ATMs was carried out in Akure, Nigeria. Methods: A total of sixty ATMs keypads were sampled in two major locations (main market and Federal University of Technology, campus) in Akure. Samples were collected from key-pad and screen parts of the ATM devices with sterile swab sticks and was cultured immediately on Nutrient agar, Manitol salt agar, and MacConkey agar mediums for Microbial examination. Standard bacteriological methods were employed in the analysis of the sample. Presumptive identification of bacterial isolates was by cellular morphology, Gram staining reaction, motility, catalase, coagulase test, oxidase strip test and MICROBACT Biochemical Identification system was used to identify the species of the oxidase negative Gram negative bacteria. Results: Out of 30 ATMs keypads examined in the two locations, 28 and 22 yeilded bacteria growth in Akure main Market and FUTA Campus respectively. The organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella species, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Bacillus species. All the bacterial isolates showed high resistance to Ampicillin but low resistance to Ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The study confirmed the presence of pathogenic bacteria species on ATM key-pads with possible health implications in Akure, Nigeria. Daily and regular cleaning regimen of the key-pads with sanitizers, and public enlightenment on the hygienic usage of the keypads is necessary to reduce health risks to the users.