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
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Justification 4
1.2 Aim 5
1.3 Objectives 5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature review 6
2.1 Hands as a means of disease transmission 6
2.2 Microorganisms present on patient’s skin 13
2.3 Microorganisms capable of surviving on hands 15
2.4 Health hazards associated with contaminated hands 16
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Methodology 18
3.1 Study location 18
3.2 Sample collection 18
3.3 Culture techniques 18
3.4 Media preparation 19
3.4.1 MacConkey Agar 19
3.4.2 Chocolate Agar 19
3.5 Identification of isolates 19
3.6 Serial dilution 20
3.7 Isolation 20
3.8 Total viable count 20
3.9 Gram staining technique 21
3.10 Biochemical tests 22
3.10.1 Indole test 22
3.10.2 Catalase test 22
3.10.3 Motility test 22
3.10.4 Coagulase test 23
3.10.5 Oxidase test 23
3.11 Sensitivity/susceptibility test 24
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results 25
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Discussion 38
5.2 Conclusion 39
5.3 Recommendations 40
Reference 41
