Abstract

Omoya, Funmilola Ph.D1 * and Afolabi, Temitope MBCHB, MPH, FMCPH2

Isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms present on surface of facilities in wards of selected primary health centres were done. A total of 720 swab specimen from different surfaces (beddings, toilet seats, floor and door handles) were collected in triplicates and analyzed using microbiological standard to evaluate the hygienic status of these wards. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the pathogenic isolates using selected antibiotics and antifungal agents. The bacterial isolated are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, while the fungi are Candida albicans and Candida dubliensis. The highest bacterial load of 53.33 ± 1.86 cfu/ml was obtained from maternity ward toilet while the least bacterial load of 1.67 ± 0.33 cfu/ml was obtained from the pillows of pediatric ward. Their sensitivity to commercial antibiotics showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most resistant bacteria to these antibiotics. Ofloxacin exerted the highest inhibitory effect against all the bacteria. Most of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline and streptomycin. These results inferred that pathogenic microorganisms resistant to some commonly used drugs can be acquired from these health centres. Therefore, adequate ward hygiene is necessary to reduce hospital acquired infections.