African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (11), pp. 1118-1121, 2 June 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of microorganisms transmissible through handshake

ONIYA M. O.*, OBAJULUWA S. E., ALADE E. T.  and OYEWOLE O. A.

Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: aladetoyin12@yahoo.com

Accepted 3 May, 2006

Microorganisms transmissible through handshake were experimentally isolated from samples collected from primary and secondary school students as well as undergraduates and staff of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Bacteria isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, S. epididimis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Actinobacillus sp while fungi isolated include Penicillum notatum, Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium sp. The prevalence of these microorgansims was higher in the primary and secondary school students than in the undergraduates and staff of the university. The significance of the findings to public health in general is discussed.

Key words: Microorganisms, transmission, handshake, isolation.