Assessment of microbial contamination on generator surfaces: a case study at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Microorganisms pervade the atmosphere, with inert surfaces serving as secondary repositories for the transmission of bacteria and fungi, posing public health concerns. This study aimed to assess the microbial burden on top surfaces and handles of specific generators at the University of Port Harcourt. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria counts ranged from 5.0 to 8.13 log CFU/ml, with the highest count observed on the handle of a generator at Ematex and the lowest on the top of a generator at the SSLT building. Total Fungi counts ranged from 5.0 to 6.45 log CFU/ml, with the highest count on the handle of a generator at English House and the lowest on the handle of a generator at Ofrima and the top of a generator at SSLT. Identified organisms include Staphylococcus spp, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, as well as Aspergillius spp., Penicillium spp., Chysosporium spp., Fussarium spp., Muccur spp., and Candida spp. Microorganisms on generator handles exceeded those on the top, and the microbial profiles of handles were similar across the generator sets. Improved personal hygiene and regular handwashing is advised to mitigate bacterial presence on hands, which can be transferred from generator surfaces and handles.