Evaluation of microorganisms transmissible through handshake

Abstract

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.