Pathogenic Profile Analysis: In Vitro Screening of Enteric Bacteria from University Dusters

Abstract

The presence of enteric bacteria on university dusters poses a significant health risk to students and staff, potentially leading to outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria further exacerbates this issue, making treatment challenging. This study aims to investigate the pathogenic profiles of enteric bacteria isolated from university dusters to inform effective infection control measures. This study investigated the presence of enteric bacteria on 45 board dusters using standard microbiological techniques. The results revealed four bacterial species: Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain NE1127, Escherichia coli strain JKHS016, Klebsiella pneumoniae strain 2014C06-125, and Klebsiella pneumoniae strain Kp2092. The isolates exhibited varying levels of virulence factors, with beta-hemolysis rates of 66.67% (ECNE11), 22.73% (EC16), 57.14% (KP2), and 15.38% (KPK2). Additionally, the isolates showed positive reactions to Congo red, with rates of 100.00% (ECNE11), 45.45% (EC16), 100.00% (KP2), and 84.62% (KPK2).Statistical analysis using the student "t" test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the significance of these findings, with a p-value of ≤ 0.05. These results highlight the potential health risks associated with enteric bacteria on board dusters and emphasize the importance of proper hygiene practices and regular disinfection to prevent the spread of these microorganisms. The study's findings have significant implications for infection control and public health in academic settings.