Gram Positive Bacterial Profile, On Computer Keyboards and Mice in Qassim University and Efficacy of Disinfectants to Eliminate Contamination

Introduction: Computers are ubiquitous and have been shown to be contaminated with multiplebacteria’s in some communities. There is no economical way to test all the keyboards and miceout there, but there are effective ways to prevent bacterial contamination or eliminate it if itexists.Method: This was an observational study using the cross-sectional study design. Swab specimens werecollected from surfaces of 43 computer keyboards and mice from Computer college ,Business college,PYP and Library and plated on different bacteriological media. Organisms growing on the mediawere purified and identified at Qassim University Department Of Applied Medical SciencesMicrobiology Laboratory by using gram stain and various biochemical tests. The second phase ofsample collection done by collection of samples before and after the use of DETTOL, COLROX andDAC. It was found that all the tested computer keyboards and mice devices, were positive forgram positive bacterial contamination , and the data was analyzed using excel software.Recommendations were developed to create awareness among the students and staff of QassimUniversity, who used the computers during their study time.Findings: It was found that all the tested computer keyboards and mice devices, from Computercollege and Business college , PreparatoryYear Program and Library, were positive for microbialcontamination. The percentages of isolated bacterial species (Staph CoN, Staph aureus, Micrococci,streptococci and Bacillus) were 46.51 %, 6.97%, 4.65%, 2.32%, and 41.8 from all colleges respectively.The average of percent of colonies reduction for DETTOL, CLOROX and DAC were (90%, 80%, and51%).Conclusion: Isolated bacterial species (Staph CoN, Staph aureus, Micrococci, Streptococci and Bacillus)were 46.51 %, 6.97%, 4.65%, 2.32%, 41.8 from all colleges respectively. Most effective disinfectantsDETTOL(90%), CLOROX(80%) and DAC(51%).On the basis of these findings, it is suggested thatroutine cleaning of keyboards and mice may aid the fight against the contamination. Also, hand washingbefore and after contact with keyboards and mice should be practiced to significantly reduce thecontamination.

Keywords:

Gram positive , Computer’s keyboards (CK) , Computer’s mouse (CM) , Dettol , Chlorox , DAC