Abstract

A study on the protozoan parasites and bacterial contamination of surfaces in selected public restrooms in markets, motor parks and students’ hostels in Benin City, southern Nigeria. Out of the 200 swab samples from all the restroom surfaces examined, 15(7.5%) and 176 (88%) were positive for protozoan parasites and bacterial contamination, respectively. There was no significant difference between the female and male restrooms for both (a) protozoan parasites contamination (11% vs 4%) respectively and (b) bacterial contamination (94% vs 82%) respectively. Among the four types of restroom surfaces assessed, toilet seats recorded the highest prevalence, 12.5% of positive samples contamination for protozoan parasites. For bacterial contaminants, the restroom floor had the highest prevalence, 92.5% of positivity as well as the highest variety of bacterial species (eight of the nine species isolated). Although restrooms in markets had the highest positive samples contamination for both protozoan parasites and bacteria, 11% vs 100%, respectively, only bacterial contamination recorded a significant association (P < 0.01). The cysts/oocysts of six species of protozoan parasites contaminants, namely: Entamoeba histolytica, E. coli, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium sp., Cystisospora belli and Balantidium coli, were recovered during the study. Nine species of bacterial contaminants, namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterobacter spp., Micrococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp. and Proteus sp., were isolated. Entamaeba histolytica and Staphylococcus aureus   recorded the highest prevalence, 33.3% vs 25%, for protozoan parasites and bacterial contaminants respectively. The public health effects associated with the infection of humans by these protozoan and bacterial pathogens are highlighted. The isolation of the pathogens in the study indicated that the routine cleaning and decontamination of the public restrooms were inadequate and the indoor surfaces less than sanitary. Recommendations are proffered on measures to effectively reduce the risk of pathogen transmission or acquisition in public restrooms in the study area.

Key Words:     Protozoan parasites, Cysts/oocysts, Pathogens, Bacteria, Public restrooms, Contamination