PURSES AND HANDBAGS AS A SOURCE OF FOMITES IN PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION- A MICROBIOLOGICAL INSIGHT

Abstract

Purses and handbags are everyday personal items that come into frequent contact with various public surfaces, making them potential vectors for pathogen transmission. This study investigates the microbial contamination on purses and handbags carried by college students and hospital personnel, and evaluates the effectiveness of Dettol antibacterial wipes in reducing microbial load. A total of 20 samples were collected from handbags, and microbiological analysis was performed to identify bacterial and fungal contamination. The results revealed a wide range of bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella alongside fungal species such as Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. These pathogens, commonly associated with infections in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals, highlight the role of personal items in pathogen transmission.