Contaminates on ATM Machines, Motorcycle Helmets, and Public Toilets

INTRODUCTION

Microorganisms are found everywhere and constitute a major part of every ecosystem. In these environments, they live either freely or as parasites (Sleigh and Timbury, 1998). In some cases, they live as transient contaminants in fomites or hands where they constitute a major health hazards as sources of community and hospital-acquired infections (Pittet et al., 1999). This study focused on the analysis of bacteriological contamination of ATM machine, public toilet and commercial motorcycle helmets.

ATM machine can be contaminated by user breathes out; sneezing, digging nose during work by hands or other reactions leaves the key boards contaminated .The nasal droplets mouths water or mucus from mouth and nose, nail cavities, notes when handling with contaminated hands and air microorganisms brought by winds and settle on them (Ranjit et al, 2011).

ATM machine represents a good transient environment for development of pathogenic microbes especially Salmonella, Escherichia coli (Prescott et al, 1993). The faecal coliform group includes genera such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella which are commonly associated with public devices (Otter et al, 2009). ATM machine should be cleaned properly, as they are operated by all sections of people frequently. If these are not cleaned properly, they become source of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in people (Reynolds, 2005).

Research has shown that public toilets are vital components in creating sustainable, accessible, inclusive cities but they are breeding places for disease-causing bacteria (Greed, 2006). Sanitary conditions in public places have always been a major problem, especially rest rooms. Health departments are continually checking the cleanliness and safety o...

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...re found on the skin (Roth and Jenner, 1998). However, this normal microbiota can produce disease condition if introduced into foreign locations or compromised hosts (Ekrakene and Igekele, 2007).

ATMs, public toilet and commercials motorcycle crash helmets are fomites which are used by many people and they are often found in crowded place. It is necessary to investigate the possibility of the transmission of infectious agents through the use of these often used materials.

It is in this context a comparative study on the levels of bacterial contamination of highly used ATM machines, public toilets and commercials motorcycle crash helmets in selected areas located in Kigali city has been undertaken and the effects of cleaning and disinfecting ATM machines, public toilets and commercials motorcycle crash helmets on the microbial load has been tested.