Bacterial profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates recovered from surfaces of automated teller machine, bus and hospital waiting area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Microorganisms inhabiting in public areas, hospitals and transport facilities can be a concern in public health. Transfer of microorganisms from such reservoirs may lead to mild to severe infection in humans.

Objectives: To assess bacterial profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates recovered from frequently hand touched surfaces of public transport buses, Automated Teller Machines and Hospital waiting areas.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July, 2018 in selected Anbessa public transport city buses, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia -Automated Teller Machines and Hospital waiting areas in Addis Ababa. A total of 423 swabs were collected from mostly touched surface and standard microbiology procedures were used to isolate bacteria and conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing. SPSS V.23 was used for data entry and analysis.

Result: A total of 588 bacterial isolates were isolated of which 75.7% (n= 445) were Gram-positive. Majority of the bacteria were isolated from hospital inanimate objects (40.1%; n = 236).  Coagulase negative staphylococci were the most frequently recovered isolates (54.1%; n=318). Proteus species were the predominant isolates among the Gram-negative rods (9.9 %; n=58). Most Gram-positive bacteria showed higher proportions of resistance to tetracycline (71.3%) and penicillin (67.3%). Gram negative bacteria exhibited resistance level ranging from 6.3% (tobramycin) to 66.9% (ceftriaxone).

Conclusion: Pathogenic microorganisms on the frequently touched surfaces are of great public health concern considering the ease with which they are capable to transmit in the community and also the nature of antimicrobial resistance traits they harbor. Regular disinfection of most frequently touched object both in hospital and public areas is recommended.