Microorganisms Associated with Formites in Beauty and Barbing Saloons

The microorganisms associated with formites in beauty and barbing saloons in Uyo Metropolis were investigated using standard methods. The different items present in the saloons were examined for microbial contamination. On the whole the total bacterial and total fungal counts were higher in items from the barbing saloons than those in the beauty saloons. The total coliform counts were comparable in both kinds of saloons. The microbial isolates from both types of saloon were also similar. In order of prevalence, the bacteria species isolated include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp. and Diphtheroids. Micrococcus sp. was isolated from the barbing saloons and not from the beauty saloons. The fungal isolates had Candida sp as he most predominant followed by Trichophyton sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp. and Microsporium species. The incidence rates of the microorganisms were similar in both the beauty and barbing saloons. Isolates such as Candida sp., Trichophyton sp., Microsporium sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp. and Microsporium species may be of serious health implications.