Assessment of Gram-positive Bacterial Contamination on Supermarket Shopping Basket and Trolley- Khartoum Locality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess Gram-positive bacterial contamination on supermarket trolley and basket. The study was conducted during the period from April to August 2014.Samples were collected from different supermarkets in Khartoum Locality. Trolley and basket handle parts were sampled using sterile cotton swab moistend with sterile normal saline. The samples were processed for bacterial load by Pour Plate Method. Isolated Gram-positive bacteria were identified by their colonial morphology, Gram’s stain and biochemical tests. The results revealed that out of 100 swabs investigated, 81 (81%) yielded bacterial growth, the rest 19(19%) exhibited no bacterial growth. The mean of bacterial load in trolley and basket was 191.9 ×〖10〗^4 CFU/cart. The results revealed that the CFU/cart in different supermarket were as follows; Alwaha supermarket 95.2×〖10〗^4, Aswaquna (II) 161×〖10〗^4 and in Aswaquna (I) 318.4×〖10〗^4 . Sixty-six Gram-positive bacteria were identified. These were Staphylococcus aureus 11 (16.7%), Bacillus pp. 22 (33.3%), Staphylococcus hominis 12 (18.2%), Staphylococcus warneri 10 (15.2%), Staphylococcus haemolyticus 6 (9.1%), Staphylococcus xylosus 3 (4.5%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus 1 (1.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis 1 (1.5%). It is concluded that there is high contamination in shopping trolleys and baskets. Potential pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria were isolated. Regular cleaning with soap and antiseptic of supermarket shopping carts are highly recommended. Further studies are required to validate these results.