COMMON MICROORGANISMS FOUND ON SPECTACLES AMONG SPECTACLE WEARERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of refractive disorders necessitating the use of corrective eyewear highlights the crucial role of glasses in improving and maintaining good vision and quality of life. However, continuous use of glasses and challenges associated with thorough disinfection may contribute to bacterial contamination, potentially leading to ocular infections. This study was aimed to investigate the common microorganisms found on eyeglasses worn by students at the University of Benin. Swabs were taken from the lenses, nose pads, and handle of the eyeglasses and inoculated onto Molten Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and Nutrient Agar (NA), then incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. After incubation, bacterial isolates were identified using both macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Species identification was further confirmed through a series of biochemical tests, including indole, citrate utilization, catalase, motility, and coagulase tests. Results showed that the identified bacterial isolates included Escherichia coli (34.55%), Staphylococcus aureus (5.45%), Bacillus spp (7.27%), Staphylococcus albus (18.18%), Pseudomonas spp (10.91%), and Staphylococcus epididymis (23.64%). Handles exhibited the highest microbial load, constituting 37.2% of the total bacterial count, followed by nose pads (32.2%) and lenses (30.6%). The identified microbial contamination on eyeglass components underscores the importance of regular cleaning and disinfection practices, particularly targeting handles which showed the highest microbial load.