Journal of Environmental Biology

Study of pathogens on automated teller machine in

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

P. Arulazhagan*, D. Jeyakumar, M. Aslam and M Jalal Al-Badry Basahi

Centre of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author?s E-mail: arulazhagan_p@yahoo.co.in

 Publication Data

Paper received:

22 May 2014

Revised received:

15 October 2014

Re-revised received:

01 December 2014

Accepted:

25 February 2015

Abstract

There is no restriction on using automated teller machines (ATMs) and ATMs are prominent habitat for bacterial colonization on key pads and touch screen. The present study focus on the group of bacterial strains present on touch screen and key pad of machines. Following three main highly crowded areas were selected in Jeddah city: industrial area, shopping malls and beach. Swab samples from touch screen and key pad were collected from 15 different ATM machines of each area. Other sources of pathogens in ATM centers were detailed with the study on unclean air condition filters possessing high bacterial load. The results revealed that ATM machines consisted of pathogenic bacterial strains like Staphylococcus sp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. Further investigation on transfer of such pathogen to ATM users was studied in the samples obtained from the fingers of ATM users. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of bacterial strains such as Bacillus pumilis, Staphylococcus huminis, Stenotrophomonas sp, Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp on ATM machines (touch screen and key pads) and users hands. The study also revealed the use of hand sanitizers as a control measure to potentially reduce 99% of the bacterial load in ATM users hand.      

 Key words

Automated Teller Machine, Pathogens, Antiseptic, Sanitization, Staphylococcus 

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