ABSTRACT

Towels have the ability to retain microbes, moist and warm environment offers microbes a favourable place to grow and survive. These microbes can be transmitted through direct contact with our hands and other inanimate objects within the environment.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial contamination of frequently used towels among female students of University of Benin hostels, Ugbowo campus, Benin City, Edo State. A total of sixty (60) apparently healthy female student that consented to participate were recruited for this study. Towel was given to each participant for normal use and keep; this was collected after a period of 3 months. Primary isolation of Bacteria was done by culturing on Nutrient agar and MacConkey agar. Gram staining and various biochemical tests were used to further classify bacteria isolated. A total prevalence of 100% microorganism was obtained from frequently used towels of apparently healthy female students in the University of Benin hostels. Klebsiella spp (26.7%) was the most predominant organism isolated, followed by Enterobacter spp (16.7%), Providencia spp (15.0%), Proteus mirabilis (13.3%), Klebsiella oxytoca (6.7%), Acinetobacter spp and Citrobacter spp were both (5.0%), Proteus vulgaris (3.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.7%) was the least predominant organism isolated. No significant statistical relationship existed between age and towel contamination. Towel keeping place, frequency of replacement and method of drying had no significant statistical correlation with the towel contamination. Results from this study have shown that bacteria contamination of frequently used towels is very high; as such towels should be properly maintained. Proper hygiene practice should be of utmost concern to the students.