Evaluation of Microbial Contamination of Combs and Brushes in Beauty Salons within the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Beauty salons may provide a suitable medium for the growth and transfer of pathogenic microorganisms which may be of public health significance. This study was aimed at investigating the microbial contamination of beauty salon tools within the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Nutrient agar was used for the determination of total culturable heterotrophic bacterial counts and Potato dextrose agar was used for the determination of total spore counts. Bacterial isolates were subjected to different biochemical tests while the fungal cultures were identified by macroscopy and microscopy. Results revealed bacterial load obtained from combs and brushes across the three campuses studied ranged from 6.3x105 to 2.8x106 CFU/swab area and 5.8x105 to 1.8x106 CFU/swab area respectively. Total spore counts obtained from combs and brushes across the three campuses ranged from1.8x105 to 1.0x106 CFU/swab area and 4.2x105 to 9.3x105CFU/swab area respectively. The bacterial isolates obtained from the salon tools include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp.,Serratia spp.,Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp. and Shigella spp., while the fungal isolates include Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp., Tricophyton spp. and Microsporium spp. Staphylococcus aureus (27.7%) and Bacillus spp.(22.2%) were the predominant bacterial isolates in the study while Aspergillus flavus (36.3%) and Penicillium spp.(27.3%) were the most occurring fungi. The study showed that fomites used in beauty salons harbour significantly high microbial load including microorganisms of possible public health significance.

Degree of bacterial contamination in barbershops using hair dryers in Riyadh

“…The results of this study agree with finding of a previous study which indicated the prevalence of bacterial colonies when hand air-dryers were used in washrooms ( Alharbi et al, 2016 ). Numerous previous studies have also confirmed the presence of bacterial contamination on tools used in barber shops ( Stanley et al, 2019 , Enemuor et al, 2013 , Janmohammadi et al, 2016 , Stanley et al, 2014 , Enemuor et al, 2012 , Naz et al, 2012 , Dadashi and Dehghanzadeh, 2016 ). Table 1 shows the prevalence of MRSA in barber shops where hair dryers were used.…”

“…Daily interactions between people are the most obvious way in which pathogens are spread in communities ( Kramer et al, 2006 ). Fomites, such as hair dryers, scissors, combs and other tools used barber shops act as important pathogen-transmitters in barbers shops ( Kramer et al, 2006 , Stanley et al, 2019 , Adeleye and Osidip, 2004 , Barn and Chen, 2011 ), where every service can lead to the imposition of readily infectable skin-breaks ( Stout et al, 2011 ). Hairdressers, like barbers and their customers, are regularly exposed during their services to contamination by a wide range of both bacteria, some of which are potentially pathogenic ( Tharmila et al, 2012 , Enemuor et al, 2013 , Onajobi et al, 2015 , Janmohammadi et al, 2016 , Sekula et al, 2002 ).…”

“…The prevalence of bacteria on tools used in barber shops and beauty salons has been widely reported upon ( Stanley et al, 2019 , Enemuor et al, 2013 , Janmohammadi et al, 2016 , Stanley et al, 2014 , Dadashi and Dehghanzadeh, 2016 ). In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is growing (with an average MRSA rate as high as 38%) ( Aljeldah, 2020 , Adam and Abomughaid, 2018 ).…”

Beauty Salons are Key Potential Sources of Disease Spread

“…The bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus , and species of Bacillus, Micrococcus, Serratia, Citrobacter, Proteus , and Shigella , and fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp., Trichophyton spp., and Microsporum spp. 23 It can be concluded from this study that beauty salons can be considered a hazard when the hygiene standard is far from the expected, especially when it is combined with high moisture and dust content. Another study investigated the microbial content in a beauty blender when it was not cleaned at all or when it was dropped on the floor and reused without cleaning.…”

“… 22 Fourth, the regular tools used in cosmetic salons such as razors, scissors, clippers, and nail care tools can accidentally penetrate the skin, which may lead to health problems ranging from inflamed skin to hepatitis. 23 Service providers themselves are susceptible to transferring infections among their customers if they suffer from serious medical problems. 4 , 10 , 24 Accordingly, several studies have been undertaken to determine if the transmission of viruses, bacteria, ring worm, or fungi is associated with cosmetic procedures in beauty salons.…”