Prevalence and Virulence Potentials of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Associated with Public Toilets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aims: Shared public toilets may harbour bacteria of relevance to environmental hygiene. The study determined the prevalence and virulence potentials of S. aureus and E. coli in samples collected from toilet bowls and seats in selected public facilities in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Methodology: Water and swab samples were collected from public toilets in banks, secondary schools, shopping malls, hospitals and universities, and these samples were examined. Samples were cultured, and presumptive isolates were identified by colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests. Prevalence, biofilm formation and the ability to lyse red blood cells were determined. Results: Among the 186 isolates reported, the overall prevalence was 15.5% for S. aureus and 9.4% for E. coli. Both organisms were reported more frequently in toilet bowls than on seats: S. aureus, 45.6% and 23.3%, and E. coli, 36.7% and 10.0%, respectively. Bowl contamination varied by location; the prevalence of S. aureus ranged from 44.4% in malls to 66.7% in secondary schools, while that of E. coli ranged from 22.2% in banks and malls to 61.1% in secondary schools. The distribution of hemolysis patterns among the bacterial isolates showed that among the 28 S. aureus isolates, β-haemolysis was observed in 13 (46%) isolates, followed by α-haemolysis in 10 (36%) isolates, while γ-haemolysis was the least common, occurring in 5 (18%) isolates. Among the E. coli isolates, γ-haemolysis was predominant, accounting for 13 (76%). The biofilm production results for S. aureus showed that 22 (79%) isolates were positive, while 6 (21%) were negative. Among the E. coli isolates, 6 (65%) were biofilm producers and 11 (35%) were non-biofilm producers. Conclusion: The study indicates that frequently used public toilet facilities can serve as reservoirs for bacterial contamination and potential transmission because the recovered isolates are of potential public health importance. Routine cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene promotion, and periodic microbiological surveillance are warranted.