MICROORGANISMS IN COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE HELMETS: AN EXCELLENT MEDIUM FOR MICROBIAL TRANSMISSION

One hundred and fifteen (115) commercial motorcycle helmets were randomly screened to determine microorganisms of public health importance in Bwari Area Council of FCT. Swabs were aseptically analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The bacteria isolated from commercial motorcycle helmets were Staphylococcus aureus (86.1%), Streptococcus sp (74%), Bacillus sp (79%), Escherichia coli (62%) and among the fungi contaminants were Pityrosporum sp (86%), Candida sp (63%), Aspergillus sp (88%), Trichophyton sp (77%) and Malassezia sp (57%). The prevalence of microorganisms on motorcycle helmets in relation to their status was higher among the old and the full-face helmets, the part of helmet with the highest prevalence were the chin bars. The Trichophyton species however, had higher prevalence on the top inner liner of helmets. This study revealed the potential risk of microbial transmission through commercial motorcycle helmets in the area and the prevention of which is of great public health concern.