ISOLATION OF FUNGI FROM HAIR BARBING EQUIPMENT USED IN UMUAHIA

ABSTRACT

There is a growing concern that hair barbing equipments could serve as a potential source of fungal infections. This project work was conducted to isolate and identify fungi from equipment used in barbing salons in Umuahia, Abia State. Five (5) salons were visited and a total of fifteen (15) samples were collected from all the main equipment (3 samples each of clippers, combs, and scissors) used in the salon and cultured on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA). The results obtained showed the presence of dermatophytes which includes Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton Species. On clipper, M. audouinii was 100%, 80% on scissors and 80% on comb and it has the highest number of occurrence while Trichophyton species was not isolated from clipper but occurred 20% on scissors and 20% on comb. It was observed that though some forms of sterilization are practiced in the salon, not all equipments are subjected to proper sterilization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page                                                                                                                                i

Certification                                                                                                                           ii

Dedication                                                                                                                              iii

Acknowledgement                                                                                                                  iv

Table of Contents                                                                                                                   v

List of Tables                                                                                                                          vii

Abstract                                                                                                                                   viii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       Introduction                                                                                                                1

1.1        Aim                                                                                                                       3

1.2        Objectives                                                                                                             3

CHAPTER TWO

2.0       Literature Review                                                                                                       4

2.1       Dermatophytes                                                                                                           4

2.1.1    Microsporum (Microsporum audouinii)                                                                     5

2.1.2    Trichophyton (Trichophyton rubrum)                                                                                    6

2.1.3    Epidermophyton                                                                                                         8

2.2       Diseases Associated with the Scalp Caused by Dermatophytes                                    8

2.2.1    Tinea capitis                                                                                                               8

2.2.2    Pathology                                                                                                                    9

2.2.3    Tinea corporis                                                                                                            10

2.2.4    Tinea versicolor                                                                                                          11       

2.2.5    Pityriasis versicolor                                                                                                   11

2.3       Treatment                                                                                                                    12

2.4       Infection Control Measures                                                                                        13

CHAPTER THREE

3.0       Materials and Methods                                                                                               15

3.1       Study Area                                                                                                                  15

3.2       Sample Collection                                                                                                      15

3.3       Media Preparation                                                                                                      15

3.4       Isolation of Fungi                                                                                                       16

3.4.1    Identification of Fungi                                                                                                16

3.4.2    Macroscopy                                                                                                                16

3.4.3    Microscopy                                                                                                                 16

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0       Results                                                                                                                        17

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0       Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations                                                        20

5.1       Discussion                                                                                                                   20

5.2       Conclusion                                                                                                                  21

5.3       Recommendations                                                                                                      21

References

              Appendix

LIST OF TABLES

Table                                      Title                                                                                      Page

4.1                   Macroscopic Identification of Isolates                                                           17

4.2                   Microscopic Examination of Isolates                                                             18

4.3                   Occurrence of Fungal Isolates                                                                        19

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 1: Microsporum species on SDA (obverse view)                                                            20

Fig 2: Microsporum species on SDA (reverse view)                                                             21

Fig 3: Trichophyton species on SDA                                                                                     22

Fig 4: Microsporum species and Trichophyton species on SDA                                           23

CHAPTER ON

1.0                                                       INTRODUCTION

Barbing salons are classified as personal service establishments and such services may pose potential health concern to their clients including the risk of infection and sometimes injury (Adeleye and Osidipo, 2004), (Barn and Chen, 2011).

These health risks vary depending on the nature of services rendered and equipment that are used. The health status of the clients and service providers as well as the infection control methods and procedures such as piercing and tattooing are clearly associated with fungal infection risks (Stout et al., 2011).

It is believed that any service with the potential to break the skin’s surface can be associated with infections and infections can then be transmitted to and between clients if proper infection control procedures are not implemented. It has been observed that barbers and their clients are constantly being exposed to fungal contamination (infection) during their services (Chanda and Khan, 2004) (Wazir et al., 2008).

Health has been declared as the fundamental human right. Despite this recognition, there is a denial of this right to millions of people especially in the developing countries. Health care is one of the most important aspects of all human endeavours aimed at improving the quality of life, since sound health is essential for the strength and prosperity of a nation. In developing countries, infection remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in humans where it is mostly associated with poverty and overcrowding.

It has been shown that barbering operations includes cutting face and scalp, massaging, and various health hazards including communicable diseases and skin conditions are associated with barbers’ profession to which their clients are exposed to (Janjua and Nizamy, 2004).

Fungi just like other microorganisms are everywhere, including skin surfaces and are continually introduced into the environment and could therefore be spread easily between barbing salon operators and their clients. It can be transferred by contact with unwashed hands, contaminated equipment (unsterilized) or contact with blood and other body substances (De Souze and Shibu, 2004).

Infections can occur during hair cut or barbing since items such as scissors, combs and clippers can accidentally penetrate the skin. Blood and body fluids do not have to be visible on the surface of the equipment for infection to be transmitted. Infections that can be spread in a barbing salon include skin infection on the scalp, face and neck such as Tinea capitis (i.e. ringworm) (Brown, 2006), (Barn and Chen, 2011).

The diseases of primary importance linked to barbering profession or practices are ringworm (via direct contact), infestation of head louse, scabies (via contaminated combs, aprons, towels and brushes). (Wazir et al., 2008).  A significant proportion of population is enjoying the services of barbers in the community including townships. Since the transmission may be directly or indirectly and some can occur without breaking the skin, it is advised that barbing equipment must be cleaned between each client (Salami et al., 2006). This is because the person at risk may be the next client on whom the contaminated instrument is used.

Organisms that can cause potentially serious infection may be transmitted where appropriate precautions are not taken. For example, where instruments and materials used on client are not properly handled and sterilized. Sharp instruments such as razors blades, scissors and clippers may become contaminated if they pierce the skin of infected person. It should be noted that blood and body fluids do not have to be visible on instruments or working surfaces for infection to be transmitted; therefore both clients and operator are at risk (Ibrahim, 2007).

To protect the public from infection is our goal and one of the important aspects of minimizing health risk is to understand the infection risks of these salons. Therefore the aim of this work is to isolate, evaluate and determine fungi (that cause infections) on equipment used on barbing salons around Umuahia.

1.3  AIM: the aim of the study is to isolate fungi (dermatophytes) from barbing salon equipment used in Umuahia.

1.4    OBJECTIVES:

1.     To isolate fungi on equipments used in barbing salons.

2.     To examine and identify pathogenic fungi associated with barbing salon tools.

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