Prevention of Gastrointestinal Pathologies: Comparative Study of the Microbial Flora of the Sanitary Surfaces of the Toilets of Students and Staff of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University

Abstract

Pathologies transmissible by hand such as gastrointestinal pathologies constitute a real public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where hygienic conditions are precarious. This study took place at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University from April to August 2018. The samples were taken from toilet surfaces such as doorknobs, tap heads, flush push buttons and seats WC. A total of three hundred and sixty-eight (368) samples were obtained, including 170 from the staff toilets and 198 from the student toilets. The results revealed the presence of total coliforms, Escherichia spp and Salmonella spp. The surfaces of student toilets were the most contaminated surfaces. The presence of entero-bacteria on the contact surfaces of the toilets of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny university represents a health risk for the university population.