Microbiological analysis of automotive components of passenger cars Mayara Cristina dos Reis Tonello, Priscila Reina Siliano

Abstract

The microorganisms are present in all environments, being part of our microbiota and disseminating them is customary. However, most people are unaware of how much they are responsible for contaminating the surfaces they come into contact with. The car is one of the most used means of transport today and has become a major focus of the presence of microorganisms, often opportunistic pathogens, which come from the hands, shoes, cough, sneeze of passengers. Once installed, the microorganisms, together with ideal temperature and humidity inside the vehicle, make the car an ideal environment for its growth. The objective of this research was to analyze the presence of microorganisms in certain areas and to identify them. The samples were collected from three internal parts (air conditioning outlet, steering wheel and gearbox) and one external (handle) of ten passenger cars. After collected, the samples were sown on Nutrient Agar and MacConkey Agar and submitted to other tests for identification. Most of the vehicles presented microorganisms in the analyzed areas and most of the bacteria found were of the genus Staphylococcus, filamentous fungi and and yeast-like fungi. The presence of Streptococcus sp. in just one vehicle and Serratia liquefaciens was present in two vehicles where drivers are in the habit of transporting pets. The vehicles with the lowest appearance of microorganisms were those in which passengers are in the habit of using alcohol gel in their hands for cleaning.