Assessment of Gram-positive Bacterial on Computer Keyboards in some Sudanese Universities, Khartoum State

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to assess Gram-positive bacteria on computer keyboard at Sudanese Universities, Khartoum State. The study was carried out during the period from March to August 2014. Swabs samples were collected from computer keyboard from different Universities. The Samples were inoculated on nutrient agar for bacterial load using pour plate method. Isolated bacteria were identified by standard Biological methods, including colonial morphology, Gram stain and biochemical tests. Of the total 200 samples 131 were yielded bacterial growth and 69 showed no growth. The bacterial load ranged from 30x10² to 700x10² CFU/ ml. The isolated bacteria were identified as follows; S. aureus 11 (21%), S. epedermidis 12 (29%), S. haemolyticus 10 (24%), S. Schleiferi 7 (17%), S. lugduensis 1 (2.4%), and Bacillus species 50 (25%). These results indicated that the computer keyboards might act as environmental vehicles for the transmission of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the university settings. Increasing awareness among computer users on the importance of keyboards cleaning and disinfection as well as adequate hand-washing are highly recommended.