MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF COMPUTER KEYBOARDS IN EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES: A STUDY FROM AL-HIGHER INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY / TAMAZAWA – AL-SHATI

• Adam Abubaker Mussa Jummh Abubaker Mussa Jummh

  Libyan Authority for Scientific Research

  Author

Computer keyboards are frequently touched surfaces that may act as fomites for the transmission of microorganisms, particularly in educational laboratory environments. This study aimed to assess the level of bacterial contamination on computer keyboards used in university laboratories in the Tamazawa–Alshati region, Libya. A total of 30 computer keyboards from two university laboratories were sampled using sterile swabs. Samples were cultured on standard bacteriological media, and bacterial isolates were identified using conventional microbiological methods. Bacterial contamination was estimated semi-quantitatively based on colony-forming unit (CFU) counts and categorized into four contamination levels. All sampled keyboards showed bacterial growth, indicating a contamination rate of 100%. A total of 42 bacterial isolates were recovered, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) being the most prevalent organisms. Other isolated bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most keyboards demonstrated moderate to heavy levels of contamination. Conclusion, computer keyboards in university laboratories may serve as reservoirs for opportunistic and potentially pathogenic bacteria. The implementation of regular disinfection protocols, improved hand hygiene practices, and increased user awareness is recommended to reduce microbial contamination and potential health risks.

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