Microbial diversity on hand railings in jeepneys of Metro Manila

Abstract

Jeepneys are the most common public utility vehicle in the Philippines. As a public utility vehicle, the jeepney may pose a health risk to passengers given the possible contamination of its hand rails with potentially pathogenic organisms. This study aimed to assess the microbial diversity on the hand railing of public utility jeepneys of Manila. Hand rails of jeepneys from three routes in the City of Manila were swabbed. They were transported to the laboratory and assessed for microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and parasites. A total of 73 jeepneys were examined. A total of 80 bacteria and 39 fungi were isolated. No parasites were recovered from the jeepney hand rails. The bacteria obtained were mostly those belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae group (72.50%). The most common isolate was Escherichia coli (12.50%). The Bacillus sp. was the most abundant gram-positive bacteria (7.50%) isolated. No Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from the samples. The most abundant fungi recovered were non-Candida albicans yeasts (58.82%), Trichosporon sp. (9.80%) and Aspergillus flavus (9.80%). Continuous monitoring of fomites and proper hand washing should be undertaken to protect the riding public from the harmful microorganisms present in public transportation.