Bacteria Associated with Automated Teller Machines: Isolation and Identification

Abstract

Numerous individuals frequent automated teller machines (ATMs) daily. This machine is accessible to the public irrespective of class, age, or race. This work sought to isolate and identify bacterial species from ATM surfaces, which may function as potential reservoirs for bacterial contamination. This investigation was conducted on the streets of Alexandria, with samples collected at various times throughout the early morning and peak afternoon periods, from diverse locations adjacent to hospitals, urban neighborhoods, and less developed regions. By using blood and MacConkey agar plates, 169 bacterial isolates have been isolated from 51 swabs, the isolates have varied colony morphologies, including creamy, grey, green, white, yellow, pink, and beige colors, exhibiting circular, irregular, and flat shapes. Gram staining identified 132 gram-positive isolates (81 cocci and 51 bacilli) and 37 gram-negative. Subsequent biochemical testing revealed a diversity of bacterial species which include seven isolates of Klebsiella, five isolates of Proteus, and nine isolates of Pseudomonas