Surveillance of microbial contaminants on electronic devices in a learning environment

With the increased integration of electronic devices in teaching and learning environments, concerns arising microbial contamination and potential hygiene practices on the electronic devices escalated. This study investigates the microbial communities on electronic devices used for teaching and learning at the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus. A surveillance study was employed, involving the collection of microbial swab samples from various electronic devices such as microphone, remote controller, computer screen and keyboards utilised by students and faculty within the university. Selective media such as MacConkey agar, Baird Parker agar, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar was used to isolate the commonly encountered pathogens. The isolates were identified by Gram staining, biochemical test, catalase test and triple sugar iron (TSI) test. Escherichia spp. and Staphylococcus spp., were successfully isolated from the electronic devices used for teaching and learning. These results contribute valuable insights into the microbes associated with electronic learning tools. The findings also contribute to establishing a safer learning environment and reducing the risk of disease transmission through frequently used electronic devices for both students and faculty members.