A comparative study on the bacterial flora on the palms of students in Gombe State University was conducted in August 2014.120 male and female undergraduates students from the Faculties of Science, Education and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences were sampled. Culture and biochemical tests were conducted. 66% of students were found to have high bacterial load, with male students having 60% and female students 40% on their palms. Overall, the results of this study reveals that male students in all the three Faculties had higher bacterial load (60%) and female students (40%). It was observed that female students spend more time in cleaning and washing their hands as habit compared to their male counterparts. Further research is needed to incorporate residents students in the hostel and off campus for more generalization.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page…………………………………………………………………… i
Declaration………………………………………………………………….. ii
Certification………………………………………………………………… iii
Dedication ………………………………………………………………….. iv
Acknowledgement ………………………………………………................. v
Abstract………………………………………………………………………. vi
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………. vii
List of Tables………………………………………………………………… ix
List of Figures ………………………………………………………………… x
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction……………………………………………….................. 1
1.1 Background of the Study ……………………………………………. 1
1.2 Statement of Research Problem……………………………………... 2
1.3 Aims and Objectives…………………………………………………. 2
1.4 Scope and Limitation ………………………………………………… 2
1.5 Significance of the Study ……………………………………………. 3
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review…………………………………………………….. 4
2.1 Location and Description …………………………………………… 4
2.1.1 pH of the hand ………………………………………………………. 6
2.1.2 Artificial Nails ……………………………………………………….. 8
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Methodology ……………………………………… ………………... 10
3.1 Study Area ………………………………………………………….. 10
3.1.1 Preparation of Media ……………………………………………….. 10
3.1.2 Sterilization of Equipment …………………………………………. 14
3.1.3 Collection of Sample ………………………………………………… 15
3.1.4 Processing of Sample ………………………………………………... 15
3.1.5 Inoculation …………………………………………………………… 15
3.1.6 Incubation ……………………………………………………………. 16
3.1.7 Bacterial Identification ………………………………………………. 16
3.2 Microscopic Identification …………………………………………. 16
3.3 Morphological Identification ………………………………….......... 18
3.4 Physiological Examination ………………………………. ………… 18
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results………………………………………………………………… 19
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation…………….............. …. 26
5.1 Discussion ……………………………………………………………. 26
5.2 Conclusion …………………………………………………………… 29
5.3 Recommendation …………………………………………………….. 29
References ……………………………………………………………. 31
