Epidermal Microbes: Comparative study to Evaluate Bacteria Diversity on Human Skin

Millions of microbes such as bacteria, fungus, and viruses are collectively known as skin microbiota. The epidermal microbes are found on the human skin which is a living and functioning ecosystem that is home to many microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of bacteria on human skin. Two hundred (200) volunteers with written consent were recruited for the study. This study was conducted in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Skin swab samples were collected using the Z stroke swabbing method. The samples were cultured on blood and mannitol salt agar medium. The isolated bacteria were classified based on physical and staining characteristics with respect to respondents’ occupation, skin colour and other variables. Overall prevalence of 62.5% was recorded for cocci shaped and 37.5% for rod shaped bacteria respectively. The males were observed with higher colony counts (52.1%) when compared to the females. However, 72% of females were found to harbour more of cocci-shaped bacteria on their skin whereas, males skin was predominant (69.3%) with the rod-shaped bacteria (p=0.35, p>0.05). In relation to occupation, the Auto-Mechanics (33.3%) had the highest colony count, followed by bikers (18.3%), Carpenters (15.2%) and Traders (15%); however, the students had only 8.3% out of the total sampled population. Meanwhile, the percentage of cocci bacteria observed on the student population was higher (51.2%) than found on others. This study further revealed that the married individuals had more epidermal microbes (59.8%) when compared to the singles (40.2%); and dark skinned individuals had more bacteria isolates (59.1%) when compared to fair-skinned counterparts. The prevalence of epidermal microbes in relation to occupation was statistically significant (X2 = 17.47, p = 0.01, p < 0.05). A higher percentage of epidermal microbes were predominant on males than the females. This study further establishes the abundance of Cocci-shaped gram positive bacteria such Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus on study participants. This study therefore recommends proper skin care routine practices and emphasizes the need for intense sensitization among artisans and particularly among the less educated ones about adequate skin care in order to avoid proliferation and spread of pathogenic skin microbes.