Zeba Gul Burki¹, Mukhtiar Hassan², Faiza Naseer^3,, Sohail Ahmad⁴, Samiullah Burki⁵, Mohammad Saleem⁶, Attiya Nazish⁷, Shafiq-ur- Rehman⁷

150 samples were collected from computer accessories used in Hazara University and different diagnostic laboratories of Mansehra, examined for the total bacterial count and maximum growths were observed. Samples were analyzed for further identification of micro-organisms such as E.coli, Klebsiella, Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis. These organisms were detected in the percentage of 46.66 of E. coli, 20% of Klebsiella, 16.66% of S. aureus & 16.66% of S. Epidermidis and identified on selective media, i.e. EMB agar and Mannitol salt agar. Furthermore, biochemical tests, including IMVIC Test, Catalase Test and Coagulase Tests were performed to confirm the presence of micro-organisms and their susceptibility also checked against different standard antibiotics and their zone of inhibitions were measured and noticed. E.coli showed maximum resistance of 97.36% against Erythromycin, Klebsiella showed against Amoxil + Clavolunic acid about 83.83%, Staph aureus showed against Erythromycin about 64.64% and Staph. epidermidis resistance was 90.9% against Erythromycin and Gentamycin. E.coli and Klebsiella showed maximum sensitivity for Meropenem 67.22% and 72.72% respectively while Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis maximum sensitivity for Vancomycin about 82.82% and 72.72% respectively. These results indicate that the computer accessories might act as environmental vehicles for the transmission of potentially pathogenic bacteria in our surroundings and also indicate the need for increasing awareness among computer users on cleaning of such surfaces or disinfection and adequate hand-washing hygiene.

E.coli, Klebsiella, Staph. aureus, Staph. epidermidis, Computer accessories, EMB agar, Mannitol salt agar, Antibiotic resistance