Abstract

The study investigated the types of bacteria present in second hand clothing’s and the effect of antibacterial agents on the bacteria load. Six samples of second-hand clothes were purchased from Potiskum market: Bed spread, Baby cloth, Adult male shirt, Adult skirt, Panties, Brassiere. Plate Count Methods was used to determine the bacteria colony. Baby cloth has the highest bacteria count followed by bed spread, the lowest being Brassiere. Gram staining tests and biochemical test was used to identify the isolates. Five bacteria were identified, which include: Corynebacterium spp., Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., Aeromonas spp. and Protens spp. The clothes samples were subjected to sensitivity tests, three antibacterial agents were used for the susceptibility test on the bacteria. Hypo is most effective followed by Izal and lastly Detol. At 3.125% to 6.25% concentration, hypo can conveniently clear all the bacteria in the fabric samples, except micrococcus which are insensitive to any of the antibacterial agent. Consumers should approach second hand clothing’s with caution since this study has demonstrated that clothes have high bacteria counts, it is not safe to wear without proper washing.