Assessment of Gram-positive Bacterial contamination on Computer Mouse at Universities in Khartoum State

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.