Abstract

Baby weighing scales, commonly used in healthcare facilities to monitor infant growth and development, can serve as potential reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms if not properly sanitized. This study aimed to assess the bacterial contamination of baby weighing scales in six (6) selected rural healthcare facilities across Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Using sterile swab sticks, samples were collected from the top and base of weighing scales, stored in cool condition and immediately transported to the laboratory for microbiological analyses using standard techniques. Results of average values of total bacteria counts ranged from 24.0 × 10²CFU/ml to 73.0 × 10²CFU/ml. Order of decreasing bacteria in facilities was; Eliparanwo ˃ Eneka ˃ Rumuokoro ˃ Rumuepirikom ˃ Rumukwurushi ˃ Rumueme. The isolated bacteria identified were; Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabillis, methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhii, and Enterococcus which are indicators of poor hygiene practices and probable cross infection of infants. Antibiotics susceptibility testing of these bacteria to antibiotics viz- Imipenemm Cefuroxime, Augmentin, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Linezolid, Aztreonam, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin and Oflaxoxin revealed that, Acinetobacter baumanni recorded 83.3% resistance to the 12 antibiotics tested, Pseudomonas aeruginosa had 75% resistance, Staphylococcus aureus had 50% resistance while Escherichia coli had 41.6% resistance. The presence of these bacteria some of which are known to cause infections in infants with underdeveloped immune systems in Baby weighing scales, poses a serious public health concern. This study underscores the need for strict and regular implementation of thorough sanitization of and the use of disposable barriers on baby weighing scales. These will mitigate the risk of infections associated with the use of baby weighing scales to vulnerable populations, particularly infants from preventable infections.