Bacteriological evaluation of inanimate surfaces on public transportation buses in a city in southwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To perform a bacteriological analysis of inanimate surfaces in public buses from a city in southwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of these vehicles through sample collection conducted without prior notice and after cleaning intervention. Methods: Five buses were randomly selected, and samples were collected from two areas: handrails and seats, totaling 10 samples at each stage of collection. For the identification of Gram-negative bacteria, specific biochemical tests using Pessoa and Silva and TSI culture media were employed. For Gram-positive strains, catalase and coagulase tests were performed, in addition to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (antibiogram) for both bacterial groups. Results: A total growth of 738 bacterial colonies was observed in the collection without prior notice, whereas the collection with prior notice showed uncountable colonies. Bacteria such as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., sucrose-negative Enterobacter, and Vibrio spp. did not show significant resistance to the tested antibiotics. However, Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., and sucrose-positive Enterobacter showed resistance to penicillin. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance awareness among regarding the need for proper hand hygiene and adequate sanitation of all internal areas of public transportation.