ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS FROM BARBER’S HAIR CLIPPERS IN UMUDIKE AND ITS ENVIRONS

ABSTRACT

This project work was conducted to isolate and identify the microbial contaminants on barbering clipper blades in Umudike and its environs. Twenty Samples were collected from 10 different barbering salons. The samples were collected using a moistened swab sticks and were analysed using standard microbiological procedures. The total bacterial count before and after decontamination of the clipper blades ranged from 6.8x106 to 1.43x107, while the fungal count ranged from 4.5x106-1.2x107. A two-tailed test of the sample means was carried out using the t-distribution to determine the efficacy of the commonly used sterilization technique, which was not significant at P<0.01. Four bacterial and six fungal species were isolated and identified. The four bacteria isolated include; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus spp, while Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum canis, Rhizopus spp, Trichophyton spp, Mucor spp and Penicillium spp were the fungal isolates identified. The presence of these pathogens is an indication that barbering practice could be contributing to the spread of infection within Umudike and its environs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Certification i

Dedication ii

Acknowledgements iii

Table of Contents iv

List of Tables vii

Abstract viii

Chapter One

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Aim and Objection 3

Chapter Two

2.1 Literature Review 4

2.2 Scalp Infection 5

2.2.1 Tinea capitis (ringworm) 5

2.2.2 Dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis 6

2.3 Folliculitis 6

2.4 Sycosis 7

2.5 Human Immunodefficiency Syndrome/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease

Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) 7

2.6 Impetigo            8

Chapter Three

3.0 Materials and Methods                  9

3.1 Collection of Samples             9

3.2 Sterilization of Materials             9

3.3 Media preparation             9

3.4 Microbiological Analysis             9

3.4.1 Preparation of Samples                                     9

3.4.2 Identification of Bacterial Isolates             10

3.5 Gram Staining                            10

3.6 Motility Test                                                 11

3.7 Spore Staining                         11

3.8 Biochemical tests             11

3. 8.1 Catalase test             11

3. 8.2 Coagulase test                         12

3. 8.3 Oxidase test             12

 3. 8.4 Citrate Utilization Test                         12

3. 8.5 Indole Test                         13

3. 8.6 Urease Test                         13

3. 8.7 Voges-Proskauer Test             13

3. 8.8 Methyl Red Test             14

3.9 Identification of Fungal Isolates 14

3.10 Statistical Analysis                   15

Chapter Four

4.0 Result             16

Chapter Five

5.0 Conclusion, Discussion and Recommendation             22

5.1 Discussion             23

5.2 Conclusion             23

5.3 Recommendation             24

Reference

LIST OF TABLES

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The word barber originates from the Latin word ‘barba’ meaning beard. A barber is a person whose occupation is to cut any type of hair, gives shaves and trim beards. There is strong evidence that razors, barber’s scissors, nail files are risk factors for transmission of diseases. Barbers are also involved in circumcision, incision and drainage of abscesses, especially in rural area (Yasir et al., 2011).

The barbershop is a place where haircutting, shaving and hair reforming for men are practiced. Negligence during the use of sharp instruments may be a risk factor for blood borne infections, causing serious health problems for both the barbers and clients. Infection remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in man, particularly in developing and underdeveloped areas where it is associated with poverty and overcrowding. Many infectious diseases affecting developing countries are preventable and treatable but continue to thrive owing to lack of personal and environmental hygiene, ignorance and poor political commitments (Wazir et al., 2008; Khandait et al., 1999).

Barbering is a very ancient profession, which is associated with use of combs, towels, knives, clippers and blades etc. If these are not appropriately disinfected leads to transmission of a range of infections, which include fungal infections, infestations by head louse, scabies , staphylococcus infection, hepatitis B & C, HIV etc.( Emanuele et al., 2010; Mbajiuka et al., 2014).

Barbers, their profession and work place may be a potential group for transmission of various infections associated with their profession to which their visitors are exposed (Beyen et al., 2012). Several health hazards including communicable diseases and skin conditions are associated with barbers’ profession. The diseases of primary importance linked to this profession are ringworm disease, (through direct contact), infestation of head louse, staphylococcal, Scabies (through contaminated towels, combs, and aprons) and Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and AIDS (contaminated blades and clippers). A large proportion of population is enjoying the services of barbers in our community and their place of work and profession may be a potential source of infectious diseases transmission silently in the community (Mohammad et al., 2008).

Microorganisms are omnipresent and barbershops could serve as a potential source for their dissemination. Barbers are important professionals in the community and in most cases are owned and financed by individual members of the community and so, the occupation demands the use of instruments such as blades, combs, clippers etc. in discharging their services and it is necessary to identify microorganisms/microbial isolates from the barbering clippers which could be linked with infection transmission (Chanda and Khan, 2004). Many of the infectious diseases affecting developing countries are preventable or treatable, but continue to thrive owing to lack of personal and environmental hygiene, ignorance and poor political commitment. For example, where instruments and materials used on client are not sterilized or are not properly handled and used hygienically, sharp instruments such as razors, clippers and scissors may become contaminated if they pierce the skin of infected person (clippers can accidentally pierce and penetrate the skin) and 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 and both clients and operator are at risk .Important routes of transmission of infectious diseases include airborne spread, faeco-oral spread, vehicle spread, vector borne spread and direct spread either through person-to-person transmission or by direct inoculation, just as in the case of barbering practice  and transplacental. Hence awareness about these health hazards among barbers would play a vital part in prevention and control of these infections (Wazir et al., 2008).

1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research work is to isolate and identify the microorganisms that are found on the barbers’ hair clippers before and after use on a client.

OBJECTIVES

- To isolate and identify microbial contaminants of hair barbering clippers in Umudike and its environs.

- To determine the microbiological counts of fungi and bacteria and effectiveness of decontamination by immersion of clipper blades in petrol and ignition.

- To deduce the public health importance of the microbial isolates.

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