Abstract

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and can readily colonize surfaces and materials, creating a high risk of environmental transmission and infection. This study assessed microbial contamination of used kitchen towels from the Rivers State University campus refectories. Thirty (30) swab samples were  collected from six refectories and transported to the Rivers State University Microbiological Laboratory for immediate analysis using aseptic techniques. Samples were cultured following standard microbiological procedures, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was performed using the disc diffusion method. The heterotrophic bacteria isolated included Bacillus sp., Shigella sp., Salmonella sp., Enterobacter sp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus sp., while fungi isolated included Candida sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger. Biofilm formation was assessed for all bacterial isolates, and all were positive, indicating their ability to persist on surfaces and resist environmental stresses. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high levels of resistance among the isolates. Among Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli was resistant to Augmentin (AU), Ciprofloxacin (CPX), Septrin (SXT), Streptomycin (S), Ampicillin (PN), and Nalidixic acid (NA). Enterobacter sp. was resistant to Reflacine (PEF), Augmentin (AU), Ciprofloxacin (CPX), Septrin (SXT), Streptomycin (S), Ampicillin (PN), and Nalidixic acid (NA). Both Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. showed resistance to all tested antibiotics. Among Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus sp. exhibited resistance to all antibiotics tested. The presence of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms on kitchen towels indicates that these materials can serve as vehicles for cross-contamination of food, fomites, and hands. It is therefore recommended that kitchen towels be regularly replaced, thoroughly washed, and properly disinfected before use to reduce the risk of microbial transmission and foodborne infections.