ASSESSMENT OF MICROORGANISMS AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY EVALUATION OF ISOLATES FROM CAMPUS SHUTTLE DOOR HANDLES IN NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA

ABSTRACT The microorganisms present on Shuttle Door handles at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) were evaluated and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns determined. Samples were collected from ten different shuttle bus handles using sterile swab sticks and transported to the microbiology laboratory in sterile Ziploc bags. The samples were inoculated onto nutrient agar plates using the streaking method and incubated for 24 hours. After incubation, bacterial colonies were examined for morphological and biochemical characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using commonly available antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and gentamycin. The results showed that the total viable bacterial counts were too few to count, with Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Enterobacter spp., Micrococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Escherichia coli being the isolated organisms. Fungal isolates such as Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. were also identified, showing the microbial load present on these surfaces. These isolates displayed varying antibiotic resistance patterns, with some showing resistance to amoxacillin and erythromycin while being sensitive to ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin. The presence of bacteria on shuttle handles highlights the need for regular cleaning and disinfection. The Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns observed emphasizes the importance of monitoring and promoting good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria in public spaces. Antibiotics such as roceptin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are recommended for those who contract infections from Shuttle Bus Door handles as these antibiotics were highly effective in this research