Bacteriological Assessment of Door Handles and Knobs at The Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology Offices in Jos |Biomedgrid

Microorganisms can be found everywhere, bacteria and fungi contaminate human body, our houses, workplaces, and our environment. Fortunately, among many billions of bacteria, only 1500 can be dangerous for our health, causing different disease 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 are more suitable homes 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 body normal flora as well as transient microbes contacted from the environment.