Surveillance of Bacterial Load and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on Surfaces of Public Restrooms

Khadega Ibrahim, Maisha Tahsin, Aninda Rahman, Shaikh Mizanoor Rahman and Md Mizanur Rahman ()
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Khadega Ibrahim: Flow Cytometry Core, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
Maisha Tahsin: Independent Researcher, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
Aninda Rahman: Communicable Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Shaikh Mizanoor Rahman: Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman
Md Mizanur Rahman: Biological Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Collage of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 5, 1-15

Abstract: Public restrooms are often a hub of microbial contamination and the examination of bacterial contamination in these facilities can serve as an important indicator of the transmission of infectious diseases. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in public restrooms based on the economic class of the building. Samples were collected from various spots in 32 restrooms found in 10 shopping malls, classifying them into two categories: upper-end restrooms and lower-end restrooms. The findings showed that the level of contamination was higher in the lower-end restrooms, with the seat being the most contaminated area. The most dominant Gram-positive bacteria were of the coagulase-negative staphylococci species, making up 86% of the identified Gram-positive isolates. The most dominant Gram-negative bacteria identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K. pneumoniae ) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) . The antibiotic sensitivity test results revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria among the Gram-positive and negative isolates, including Staphylococcus haemolyticus ( S. haemolyticus ) , Staphylococcus kloosii ( S. kloosii ) , Acinetobacter baumanii ( A. baumanii ) , and P. aeruginosa . In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of monitoring bacterial contamination in public restrooms and the need for measures to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Further research is crucial to gain a complete understanding of the bacterial contamination in public restrooms and their resistance patterns, to ensure the safety and health of the public. The implementation of improved cleaning practices and hands-free designs in addition to the installation of antimicrobial surfaces in restrooms can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and prevent the spread of diseases.

Keywords: bacteria; public restrooms; Gram-positive/negative; antibiotic resistance; multidrug-resistant (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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