ANTIBIOGRAM ANALYSIS OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM VEHICLE DOOR HANDLES IN ISA MUSTAPHA AGWAI I POLYTECHNIC, LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE.

ABSTRACT Antibiogram Analysis of Bacteria Isolated from Vehicle Door Handles in Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State. This study investigates the bacterial contamination of vehicle door handles within the premises of a polytechnic, analyzing the types and levels of bacteria present and their antibiotic resistance profiles. In this study, a total of 25 samples were collected with the aid of a sterile swab stick from five different points within Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic. The swabs were soaked in buffered peptone water and incubated for 6 hours to resuscitate dormant cells. A 5-fold serial dilution method was employed to analyze the samples, and aliquots were plated on pre-solidified agar plates (MacConkey Agar, Nutrient Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and colonies were counted. Isolates were characterized by Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method with 10 commercial antibiotics. The total heterophilic bacterial count (THBC) ranged from 1.6 x 10³ to 3.2 x 10⁴ CFU/m², the total coliform count (TCC) ranged from no growth (NG) to 6.4 x 10² CFU/m², and the total staphylococcal count (TSC) ranged from 1.2 x 10⁴ to 2.3 x 10⁴ CFU/m². Microbial analysis revealed significant contamination by various bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antibiogram profiles showed notable resistance, particularly in Klebsiella pneumoniae, which exhibited resistance to 60% of the antibiotics tested. The findings underscore the importance of regular disinfection and improved hygiene practices to mitigate the spread of potentially harmful bacteria in public spaces. Keywords: Bacterial contamination, Fomites, Antibiotic resistance, Vehicle door handles, Public health, Polytechnics.