Surface Bacteria Distribution on Campus and the Potential Health Impacts of Exposure

Surface Bacteria Distribution on Campus and the Potential Health Impacts of Exposure

Have you ever wondered what‘s in the air we breathe, on the tables we touch or on thethings that help keep us clean? A previous pilot study conducted last year at NSU provided a glimpse into the presence of bacteria on campus. The goal of this study was to provide additional data on this important topic by increasing the number of sites sampled, the total number of replicates, as well as provide insight into the types of bacteria that are sampled. Gram staining procedures, as well as specific identification kits are planned on pure bacterial cultures to aid in identification. While the majority of bacteria are not harmful to our health, there are species which can be pathogenic. For instance, recent reports have indicated that MRSA, an antibiotic strain of Staphylococcus, has been spreading rapidly through several college campuses around the country. This pathogen, like many other bacterial species, can be spread between individuals via commonly used contaminated surfaces. The sample sites included in this study were found in restrooms, library computer labs, University Center gymnasium and food court, as well as campus classrooms. Preliminary results indicated most bacterial growth occurred in male and female restrooms.