BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SOME AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM) KEYPADS IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

An investigation was conducted on the level of bacterial contaminants on the metallic keypads of automated teller machines (ATMs) in Ilorin metropolis.  Total of 32 samples were collected in eight banks and sampling was done at two times of the day using standard microbiological methods.  Results showed that total aerobic bacterial count on the ATM keypads ranged from 2.6 x10¹ cfu/m² to 2.13 x 10² cfu/m² in the morning, while it ranged from 2.9 x 10¹ cfu/m² to 8.3 x 10¹ cfu/m² in the afternoon. The results indicated the possibility of cross-contamination during usage of the machines with pathogens such as: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus fermentii, Lactobacillis casei and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proper cleaning regimen to sanitize these facilities regularly and public education on their hygienic usage are therefore recommended to reduce the associated risks.