Abstract:
This is a cross-sectional study carried out during the period from April to Jun 2014. The
objective of this study was to assess Gram-positive bacterial contamination on the
computer mice at Universities, Khartoum State. A total of 200 specimens were collected
under aseptic condition. Computer mice were sampled by sterile cotton swabs immersed
in sterile normal saline, then transported to the Research Laboratory. Bacterial load was
calculated using Pour Plate Method. Isolated bacteria were identified by standard
bacteriological methods, including colonial morphology, Gram’s stain and biochemical
tests.
The bacterial load present on computer mice was ranged from 43.6 ×10 4 to 61.06 ×10 4
cfu/ml. A total of 108 Gram-positive bacteria were identified. These were as follows:
Bacillus spp. 52 (42.1%), S. aureus 10 (13.9 %), S. epidermidis 38 (35.2 %) and co-
agulase-negative staphylococci 8 (8.8%).
The study concluded that hygienic practice level was very low. Level of bacterial
contamination of computer mice was very high. Regular cleaning and disinfection of
computer mice is highly recommended to reduce the microbial contamination. Further
studies are required to validate the results of this study.
