BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF REUSABLE FACEMASK WORN BY FEMALE STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

The original use of face masks was to help protect surgical wounds from staff- generated nasal and oral bacteria. Face masks are physical barriers to respiratory droplets that may enter the mouth and nose during expulsion of mucosalivary droplets from infectious individuals substantiating the need for an effective face mask. The aim of this study was to carry out bacteriological evaluation and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of reusable facemask worn by female students in the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City. A total of 25 samples was collected each from both the inside and outside surface of reusable face masks. Total heterotrophic bacteria count on nutrient agar was done using serial dilution method. Identification of bacteria isolates was done using standard cultural, biochemical method. Antibiotic sensitivity was carried out using disc diffusion method. The total heterotrophic count ranged from 0.00 x 103 cfu/100cm2 – 4.20 ± 2.08 x 103 cfu/100cm2 (inside) and 0.00 x 103 cfu/100cm2 -4.20 ± 2.08 x 103 cfu/100cm2 (outside). The mean total of the heterotrophic count of the inside is greater than that of the outside having a mean of 1.59 ± 0.28 x 103 cfu/100cm2 . The bacteria isolated from the reusable facemask include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Staphylococcus aureus being the highest with a percentage of 13 (26.00%). All the isolates were resistant to zinnacef and ten (10) out of the thirty-seven (37) isolates were multi drug resistant. Only 16.00% of the respondents agreed on washing their hands before wearing their facemask while 32.00% agreed on using cloth facemask. This study revealed that the practice of wearing facemask in public to curtail the spread of infectious diseases is more effective if done alongside with other hygienic practice. Wearing face masks reduce the number of individuals who are likely to get infected and to transmit widespread infectious diseases.