Abstract

There is a growing concern that barbers’ equipment such as clippers, clipper steps, combs/brushes may contain pathogenic microorganisms which serve as causative agents of infections associated with barbing salons. This study aimed at isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms associated with barbers’ equipment, forty (40) barbing shops were visited out of about 300 barbing shops found in Wukari. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) samples were collected. Using standard microbiological techniques these samples were examined and a total of three (3) potentially pathogenic bacteria and five (5) fungi were isolated. Bacterial isolates include Staphylococcus sp, Streptococcus sp, and Bacillus sp. Fungal isolates include Aspergillus sp, Trichophyton sp, Malasseza sp, Mucor sp and Microsporum sp. These organisms were least prevalent on clippers compared to every other equipment examined with a total of forty six (46) microorganisms isolated from clippers and a total of seventy two (72) on both clipper steps and combs, which makes one assume that more attention is usually given to clippers than other equipment during sterilization. However, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms on all the equipment indicates poor hygienic practices among barbers in Wukari metropolis. Bacillus sp, isolated from this study was the most resistant bacterial isolate while Streptococcus sp was the most susceptible. Appropriate measures should be taken to reduce microbial load from barbing instruments and reduce risk of infections.