MICROBIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM) KEYPADS OF BANKS USED IN MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

 ABSTRACT

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is used by millions of people each day. This study was aimed at- examining the microbial load of banks’ ATM keypads located within Michael Okpara University, Umudike (MOUAU) which is likely contaminated with various microorganisms due to their vast contact by multiple users. The results revealed presence of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus 36.11%, Bacillus subtilis 25%, Escherichia coli  16.67%, Streptococcus spp. 19.44%, Rhizopus spp. 30.56%, Aspergillus niger 22.22%,  Aspergillus fumigatus 16.67%, Rhodotorula spp.  8.33% and Penicillium spp. 25% on the keypads as a function of their percentage of occurrence on the ATM surfaces. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that 39(55.7%) of the drugs was resistant, 8(11.4%) was intermediate and 23(32.9%) was susceptible, indicating a high level of multidrug resistance among microorganisms associated with ATM user interfaces which may pose health hazards to ATM users. Therefore, adequate personal hygiene, hand washing after ATM usage and routine cleaning regimen of these machines are recommended and should be practiced to reduce contamination on the ATM surfaces.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title ﾿ i

Certification ﾿ ii

Dedication ﾿ iii

Acknowledgements ﾿ iv

Table of Contents ﾿ v

List of Tables ﾿ vii

List of Figures ﾿ viii

Abstract ﾿ ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 ﾿ Aims of Study ﾿ 4

1.2 ﾿ Objectives of Study ﾿ 4

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

a. ﾿ Automated Teller Machine (ATM) ﾿ 5

b. ﾿ History of  Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Nigeria ﾿ 5

c. ﾿ Benefits Associated with the Use of  ATM ﾿ 6

d. ﾿ ATM as a Means of Disease Transmission ﾿ 7

e. ﾿ Effects of Unhygienic Conditions on ATM Surfaces ﾿ 10

2.6 Microorganisms Associated with ATM surfaces ﾿ 11

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Study Area ﾿ 15

3.2 Materials ﾿ 15

3.3 Methods for Microbiological Analysis ﾿ 15

3.3.1 Sample Collection and Processing ﾿ 16

3.4 Isolation of Microorganisms ﾿ 16

3.4.1 Inoculation of Media for Characterization and Identification ﾿ 17

3.4.2 Characterization of Bacterial Isolates ﾿ 17

3.4.3 Characterization of Fungal Isolates ﾿ 22

3.4.4 Identification of Bacterial Isolates ﾿ 23

3.5 Determination of Occurrence ﾿ 23

3.6 Antibiotic Susceptibility Test ﾿ 23

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Discussion ﾿ 37

5.2 Conclusion ﾿ 40

5.3 Recommendations ﾿ 41

REFERENCES