Vol. 6 No. 02 (2025)
Articles

Microbiological Evaluation of Point-of-Sale Machines in Nkwerre, Imo State, Nigeria

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  • Precious O. Obiebi,
  • Enobong C. Effiong,
  • Chidinma F. Micheal
Precious O. Obiebi
Department of Microbiology, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria
Enobong C. Effiong
Department of Biological Sciences, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State, Nigeria
Chidinma F. Micheal
Department of Microbiology, Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38094/jlbsr602148

Published 2025-07-16

Keywords

  • Point-of-Sale,
  • microbial proxies,
  • frequently touched devices,
  • quadrant,
  • decontamination

How to Cite

Obiebi, P., Effiong, E., & Micheal, C. (2025). Microbiological Evaluation of Point-of-Sale Machines in Nkwerre, Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Life and Bio Sciences Research , 6(02), 70 - 74. https://doi.org/10.38094/jlbsr602148

Copyright (c) 2025

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Point-of-sale (POS) machines have evolved into some of the most frequently touched devices in Nigeria today. This study aimed to assess the microbial proxies on the surfaces of point-of-sale (POS) machines utilised in Nkwerre Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Ten samples were collected from the primary operators at easily accessible locations. Surface swabs of the POS devices were obtained using a manually constructed square quadrant and a saline-moistened swab. The samples were transported to the laboratory and analysed for qualitative and quantitative microbial indices using analytical grade reagents and standard procedures. The total heterotrophic bacterial count for sample Bi2 was 4.95 Log10 CFU/cm², accompanied by a total coliform count of 4.86 Log10 CFU/cm². The total fungal count was 3.07 Log10 CFU/cm², and the total Staphylococcal count reached 4.69 Log10 CFU/cm². During the study, twenty-nine (29) isolates were observed, which were then reduced to five (5) based on their biochemical and morphological features. The tentatively identified bacterial isolates included Citrobacter sp., Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Aeromonas sp. Staphylococcus sp. was found to have a frequency of occurrence of 57.50%, Klebsiella sp. 21.88%, Proteus sp. 18.75%, while Aeromonas sp. and Citrobacter sp. recorded 9.38% and 12.50%, respectively. These flora are known to cause several clinically significant diseases, as corroborated by previous studies. Manufacturers of these devices must be alerted to the necessity of developing a decontamination protocol to ensure the safety of usage for the numerous patrons in urban and rural communities.

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