Isolation and Characterization of the Microbial Flora on Biometric Fingerprint Scanners in the University of Northern Philippines

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate and characterize the microorganisms isolated on the biometric fingerprint scanners in the University of Northern Philippines.  Specifically, it sought response to the following objectives: (a) to determine the microorganisms isolated on the finger print scanner device in UNP; (b) to determine the colony counts of the bacteria isolated on the finger print scanning devices located at different stations in UNP and collected at different times of the day. This study made use of the experimental research design and was conducted in actual laboratory setting.  It was limited to the detection of the different microorganisms present in the four out of the six biometric scanners stationed in the different locations within the university.  After identification of the microorganisms, characterization and colony count of these microorganisms were likewise conducted.  The collection of specimens was done at the administration building, CHS building and the Guestel building. The primary cultivation of the microorganisms was conducted at the Bacteriology Laboratory of the College of Health Sciences, UNP while the colony count and identification of the individual microorganisms was performed at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.  The isolation and cultivation of the bacteria was done manually.  Characterization of the bacteria involved the use of biochemical testing and gram staining.  Identification and colony count was performed using the VITEC machine.  There were seven microorganisms isolated from the different biometric machines (BM) installed in different buildings within the University campus.  Four of these organisms are cocci or round-shaped.  These are Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus and Propionebacterium acnes.  Two of the organisms are bacilli or rod-shaped.  These are Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium diphtheria.  Only one of the isolated organisms is a fungus.  This is Trichophyton mentagrophytes.  All seven microorganisms were isolated from the BM installed at the CHS building.  In the same way, all organisms except T. mentagrophytes were isolated in the BM installed at the Guestel building.  The minimum number of organisms isolated from the BM were five and all BM harbors an organism coming from human and animal feces (Escherichia coli).