Assessment of Bacterial Load and Types in Cafeterias at Sudan University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The airborne microbial contamination can cause health problem. The objective of this study was to assess bacterial load and types in cafeterias at Sudan University of Science and Technology. The study was conducted during the period from June to August, 2013. A total of 20 cafeterias were selected to be studied for bacterial load by settle plate method using nutrient agar plates. These plates were distributed equidistant in each cafeteria. The covers of plates were removed. The plates were left for 10 minutes, then covered again and incubated in the incubator at 35 º C for 16-24 hours. Bacterial isolates were identified by standard microbiological methods including Gram stain and biochemical tests. The result revealed that the bacterial load ranged from 3516 to 8055 CFU/m3. The most common microorganisms detected in the air of the examined cafeterias were Bacillus cereus 16 (34%), Staphylococcus aureus 13 (28%), Bacillus alvei 11 (23%), and Micrococcus spp. 7 (15%). The air of the cafeterias was heavily contaminated with microorganisms. This study suggests that there is need to improve cafeterias environment to prevent or reduce the rate of air contamination. Further studies are required to investigate walls and surfaces inside cafeterias.