Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

restroom sinks, bacterial colonies, serial dilution, colony counting, morphological characterization

Abstract

Spaces, such as restrooms, are known to be a place where bacterial contamination occurs, leading to disease transmission. While toilets serve as the major carrier of bacteria, other research has shown that sinks can act as carriers too. However, information regarding the bacterial presence of sinks has been insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to uncover and identify the bacterial colonies in restroom sinks. A descriptive study was done to detect and characterize bacterial colonies found in the sinks of the Lourdes E. Campos, MD Building and Academic Extension of the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. The methods in this study included taking samples from the restroom sinks, which then underwent serial dilution, colony counting, and morphological characterization. Results showed that the restroom sinks of the buildings had low counts of bacterial colonies. Based on the morphological characteristics, the samples exhibited similarities to nonpathogenic bacteria—Staphylococcus epidermidis—and pathogenic bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Findings suggested that the low count of bacterial colonies are likely caused by effective cleaning procedures, proper waste management, and improved user hygiene. The outcomes in this study prompted housekeeping to enforce more comprehensive cleaning strategies and future researchers to conduct a study between the before and after cleaning states of the restroom sinks, the effectiveness of the cleaning protocols, as well as the effects of other bacteria reduction factors. Identification and analysis of the specific bacteria present in the sinks were also recommended.

First Advisor

Shaiyne C. Deque

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