CHARACTERIZATION OF DRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SUBURBAN RAILWAY STATION PREMISES.

Pathogens in public areas e.g. public transport system can be a critical public health issue due to ease of transfer. Present study deals with isolation and characterization of pathogenic bacteria from touch surfaces of railway station premises. A total of 53 swab samples taken from different touch surfaces were processed by classical microbiological procedures. Isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test. Further modified disinfectant challenge test was used to compare effectiveness of four commonly used disinfectants. Overall total 73 isolates were obtained. After morphological, cultural and biochemical analysis 7 isolates were identified as Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 6 isolates as extended spectrum β-lactamase producing (ESBL) Escherichia coli. By virtue, these all were multidrug resistant. A disinfectant challenge test revealed Sodium hypochlorite, Dettol, MEDNTEK - R82 were effective while Santavis, a locally available disinfectant cum floor cleaner was not effective at recommended dilutions. Presence of multi drug resistant pathogenic bacteria in premises of railway station is extremely worrisome finding. Appropriate cleaning and disinfection measures required to prevent dissemination of these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]