ABSTRACT
This study reviewed the importance of hand washing and health benefits derived from the practice and also highlighted the consequences of not observing strict hand washing practice. Swabs from primary school pupils showed cfu mean total viable count of 1.60 x 104, 1.50 x 104, 1.60 x 104 and 1.7 x 104 across the four schools. Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli were the most sensitive microbes to the antibiotics used while Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin were active across the four groups of species isolated. Proper hand washing practice is encouraged for a healthy lifestyle.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
1.0Introduction1
1.1Justification 4
1.2Aim5
1.3Objectives 5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0Literature review6
2.1Hands as a means of disease transmission 6
2.2Microorganisms present on patient’s skin13
2.3Microorganisms capable of surviving on hands15
2.4Health hazards associated with contaminated hands 16
CHAPTER THREE
3.0Methodology18
3.1Study location18
3.2Sample collection18
3.3Culture techniques18
3.4Media preparation 19
3.4.1MacConkey Agar19
3.4.2Chocolate Agar19
3.5Identification of isolates 19
3.6Serial dilution20
3.7Isolation 20
3.8 Total viable count20
3.9Gram staining technique21
3.10Biochemical tests22
3.10.1Indole test 22
3.10.2Catalase test22
3.10.3Motility test22
3.10.4Coagulase test23
3.10.5Oxidase test 23
3.11Sensitivity/susceptibility test24
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0Results25
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1Discussion38
5.2Conclusion39
5.3Recommendations40
Reference 41
