DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

National Capital Region

Division City Schools Manila

MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Taft Ave., cor. Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus contamination in electric hand dryers

from Public Washrooms of a Shopping Mall in Metro Manila

Angelica Joyce H. Biagan

Raia Joon S. Catacutan
Matthew Keizo S. Yuda
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 3

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. METHODOLOGY 5

2.1 Design 5
2.2 Locale 5
2.3 Population 5
2.4 Data Gathering Procedure 6
2.5 Statistical Analysis 7

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 7

3.1 Statistical Analysis 9

3.2 Conclusion 9
3.3 Recommendations 9

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 10

REFERENCES 10

APPENDICES 12

Appendix A. Letters 12

Appendix B. Laboratory Results 23

Appendix C. SPSS Results 24

Appendix D. ISEF Forms 26

Appendix E. Receipt 33

Appendix F. Journal Entries 37

Appendix G. Documentation 40

CURRICULUM VITAE 45
 Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus contamination in electric hand dryers
from Public Washrooms of a Shopping Mall in Metro Manila
Angelica Joyce H. Biagan1,a), Raia Joon S. Catacutan1,b), Matthew Keizo S. Yuda 1,c)
1
Manila Science High School, Manila, Philippines
a)
angelicajoycebiagan@gmail.com , b)raiajooncatacutan@yahoo.com ,
c)
matthew.yuda@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
The use of electric hand dryers poses a threat to public health. It has been recognized by previous studies that hand
dryers possess the capability to contaminate its users and the environment through air dispersal. The aim of this
study was to assess the degree of Staphylococcus aureus contamination in electric hand dryers in the local setting.
Hand dryer units were sampled from public washrooms of a shopping mall in Metro Manila. Samples were
recovered via surface swab and direct air contact. Two parameters were used to assess bacterial contamination:
bacterial count and presence of S. aureus. A colony count was then performed, followed by a series of bacterial
identification tests to establish the incidence of S. aureus. Statistical analysis shows that a significant difference in
the bacterial count exists between the two groups. Meanwhile, S. aureus was found in three out of the eight hand
dryers. These results indicate that bacterial contamination in electric hand dryers is predominantly due to the buildup
of bacteria inside the hand dryer units. Furthermore, the presence of S. aureus in a number of units show that the
pathogenic bacteria can be dispersed by hand dryers. It is suggested that stricter maintenance of the electric hand
dryers be carried out in order to control the risk of bacterial infections.
Keywords: electric hand dryers, Staphylococcus aureus

1. INTRODUCTION cereus, and Brevundimonad diminuta/vesicularis were

Hand drying is an essential final step in proper
hand washing. Studies show that bacteria are more
likely to be transmitted on wet hands than on dry hands
(Best et al., 2014). The two most common methods of
hand drying include paper drying and air drying. With
convenience and speed in mind, more people are
incorporating electric hand dryers into their hand
washing routine.
Electric hand dryers are now considered staple
in public restrooms. Despite its ubiquity, the use of hand
dryers puts the user at risk of both contacting bacteria
and spreading bacteria into the surrounding
environment. Results of a study by Redway and Fawdar
(as cited in Alharbi, 2016) reported a significant
increase in bacteria on hands when hand dryers were
used in comparison to paper towels. The authors stated
that hand dryers were more inefficient in drying hands,
providing a suitable environment for bacterial growth.
Moreover, several studies have shown that hand dryers
increase the aerosolization of bacteria from poorly-
washed hands, thereby increasing the likelihood of
cross-contamination to the environment and to users
(Best et al., 2014; Best and Redway, 2015).
However, the hand dryer itself could harbor
bacteria. A study by Huesca-Espitia et al. (2018) shows
strong evidence for the spread of bacteria and bacterial
spores via hot air blown by hand dryers. Another study
conducted by Alharbi et. al. (2016) reveals that several
strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus haemolyticus,
Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Bacillus
present in air blown from the sampled electric hand
dryers. Furthermore, the presence of S. aureus, a highly
pathogenic bacteria, was established in the same study.
S. aureus is a non-motile, non-spore-forming,
gram-positive and coagulase-positive bacterium that is
often considered to be one of the major bacterial
pathogens affecting humans (Public Health England,
2014). To induce an infection, S. aureus produces a set
of proteins that influence both the expression of
antibody receptors and the binding of an antibody,
particularly of T-cells, with an antigen-presenting cell.
Although S. aureus is not necessarily pathogenic, the
species is generally a cause of infection (Tong et al.,
2015). A wide variety of diseases, ranging from skin
infections to urinary tract infections, is often associated
with S. aureus. The emergence of multi-drug resistant
strains – such as the MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant S.
aureus) – is of major epidemiological concern (Taylor
and Unakal, 2017). Other species of the genus,
including S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, S.
saprophyticus, and S. haemolyticus are less likely to
become virulent (Rosenstein and Götz, 2012).
Nonetheless, the presence of bacteria, particularly
pathogenic ones, in electric hand dryers poses a threat to
public health.
In the Philippines, an assessment of bacterial
contamination in electric hand dryers from public
restrooms has yet to be conducted. As such, this study is
expected to have several implications for the control of
pathogenic bacteria in the public environment of Metro
Manila. While it is common for most public restrooms

3
to have electric hand dryers, restrooms of shopping
malls are at greatest risk of severe bacterial
contamination given both the number and diversity of
people utilizing these places.
The study is expected to assess the ability of
electric hand dryers to contribute, rather than lessen
cross-contamination of S. aureus via airborne
dissemination within the public restroom. Moreover, the
study can be used as a basis to suggest other sustainable
and efficient methods of hand drying that lessens
airborne contact. Consequently, the results of this study
could allow for the mall management to pursue
necessary action to ensure the safety of its mall-goers.
The researchers addressed the following problems in
this academic endeavor:
1. How many colony forming units (CFUs) are
present in the bacterial cultures of sampling
hand dryers obtained from two methods,
specifically:
1.1 surface swab; and
1.2 direct air contact
2. What is the significant difference in number of
CFUs present in the bacterial cultures of
sampling hand dryers obtained from two
methods, specifically:
2.1 surface swab; and
2.2 direct air contact
3. Is S. aureus present or absent in the bacterial
cultures of sampling hand dryers obtained from
two methods, specifically:
3.1 surface swab; and
3.2 direct air contact
In relation to the aforementioned problems, the
researchers formulated two (2) hypotheses:
1. There is no significant difference in the
bacterial count (in CFUs) based on the two
methods of sample collection.
2. The presence of S. aureus in the sampling hand
dryers would not be established.
The researchers identified and assessed the
presence of S. aureus in electric hand dryers from public
restrooms of a shopping mall. Electric hand dryers pose
a risk to individuals without one realizing the harm air
drying can bring. Bacteria thrive faster in humid
conditions, and the results show strong evidence for the
dispersal of pathogenic bacteria. Overall, the study
informs Filipino masses of such risks associated with
the air dry method.
The study firstly benefits shoppers and mall-
goers, making them aware of the potential harm the use
of electric hand dryers may impart to its user. By
promoting other hand drying methods (i.e. cloth and/or
4
paper), the study could minimize susceptibility of users
to pathogens found in the air and electrical machines
that harbor air, where bacteria can thrive in the
atmosphere.
The study next benefits mall staff, cleaning
personnel and electrical technicians of the said
shopping mall since bathroom cleanliness is easier to
maintain and electricity consumption is cut shorter if the
installation of electric hand dryers is to be discontinued
in the future. Notwithstanding that the results of the
study show the disadvantage of resorting to air drying,
the strict maintenance of the hand dryers may alleviate
this problem.
Lastly, the study encourages future
researchers to develop an alternative machine or
method that allows quick and safer hand dry.
Additionally, the study may aid future researchers lessen
bacterial growth and quick dispersal in public places by
presenting conditions where bacteria thrive greatly.
The focus of this study was to assess the
presence or absence of S. aureus in sampling hand
dryers from public restrooms of a shopping mall in
Metro Manila. Bacterial samples were collected via two
methods, namely, through surface cotton swab and
direct air contact. Due to financial constraints, only
eight (8) electric hand dryers were assessed. Laboratory
work was done outside the school premises because of a
lack of necessary facilities and equipment on campus. S.
aureus is the central element of the study; the identities
of other bacteria and/or fungi on the agar plates were
not evaluated. Moreover, the strains of S. aureus were
not determined. Both the detection and the count of
coagulase-positive S. aureus were conducted under the
guidance of a certified microbiologist as the researchers
were not permitted to perform the tests themselves. The
full study was accomplished in a span of the first
semester during the school year.
The researchers defined the following terms based on
how they were applied in this study:
Coagulase. The researchers used the ability of
coagulase to coagulate mammalian blood as a
determining factor in the bacterial identification test
performed in the study.
Coagulase test. A bacterial identification test
used to determine whether a Staphylococcus colony is
coagulase-positive or coagulase-negative. The
researchers distinguished S. aureus from other
Staphylococci by observing which colonies coagulated
on the slide and in the test tube. Coagulation was
associated with the presence of coagulase-positive S.
aureus.
Electric hand dryer. The researchers assigned
electric hand dryers as the independent variables of the
study. Bacterial samples were obtained from electric
hand dryers of public restrooms at a shopping mall in
Metro Manila.
Staphylococcus. The researchers subjected
only colonies of Staphylococcus – a gram-positive
bacteria with round shapes that form in clusters (cocci)
– to the coagulase test.
Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers
determined whether the S. aureus, a highly pathogenic
species of the genus Staphylococcus, was present in the
sampling hand dryers.
2. METHODOLOGY
Figure 1. Methodological Framework
To assess the level of bacterial contamination
in electric hand dryers from the public washrooms, the
researchers followed a quantitative approach.
Furthermore, the quantitative descriptive design served
as the guiding design in the data gathering procedure.
Hand dryers were sampled via convenient sampling
from the total population of hand dryers in the shopping
mall. As an ethical measure, the researchers sought
approval to conduct bacterial collection from the various
establishments within the shopping mall. After which,
the bacterial samples were recovered in agar plates via
two methods: surface swab and direct air contact.
Bacterial contamination in the sampling hand
dryers was assessed based on two parameters: bacterial
count (in CFUs) and presence of S. aureus. All agar
plates were sent to a microbiological laboratory for
5
bacterial culture and bacterial count. Results of the
bacterial count were subjected to an independent
samples t-test to analyze the statistical difference
between the two recovery methods. Meanwhile, a series
of bacterial identification tests were performed to
establish the presence or absence of S. aureus.
2.1 Design
For the purpose of the academic endeavor, the
researchers constructed a study based on the quantitative
approach. A quantitative approach investigates the
relationship between variables and presents the
relationship thru statistical analysis of the data
(Creswell, 2013). Consequently, the researchers
patterned the collection of data following the
quantitative descriptive method. The researchers used
the aforementioned research design to explore
associations between the variables of the study without
taking into consideration causality. No variables,
accordingly, were manipulated in the collection of data
(Labaree, 2016).
2.2. Locale
Given the diversity of people that make use of
washrooms everyday, the researchers sought to assess
the potential risk of high bacterial contamination
possibly associated with electric hand dryers. The hot
air blown from the electric hand dryers has the potential
to deposit pathogenic bacteria onto the hands of the user
and into the environment. Hand dryers are often found
in washrooms of commercial establishments. Since
malls are typically large, bacterial spores and potentially
pathogenic bacteria such as S. aureus could cross-
contaminate various establishments within the building.
The gathering of bacterial samples, hence, was carried
out in washrooms of establishments of a shopping mall
in Metro Manila.
The culturing of bacterial samples was
conducted in the University of the Philippines Manila -
Department of Medical Microbiology (UPM-DMM)
laboratory. Both the bacterial count and the coagulase
test were performed in the same laboratory under the
supervision of an accredited microbiologist from the
same institution. The researchers underwent a biosafety
training in order to certify their capability as researchers
to collect the bacterial samples.
‘2.3 Population
Through convenient sampling, the researchers
sampled eight (8) hand dryers from the total number of
hand dryers present in the shopping mall where the
researchers conducted the study. A convenient sample is
sifted without the consideration of probabilities or a
careful scientific basis (Price, 2013). The researchers
resorted to convenient sampling for only a limited
number of establishments gave the researchers
permission to sample the hand dryers.
2.4 Data Gathering Procedure
This section discusses the process in which
data was quantitatively gathered. From the sample size
of eight (8), the researchers collected bacterial samples
through surface swab and direct air contact. A colony
count was then performed, followed by the
identification of S. aureus isolates. The data gathered
from the colony count was subjected to a statistical test
to provide a descriptive analysis of bacterial
contamination in the sampling hand dryers.
Preparation of necessary equipment
The researchers purchased several pieces of
equipment from the UPM-DMM. 16 non-selective,
nutrient agar plates were purchased, alongside 16 cotton
swabs. In exercise of ethical precaution, the researchers
sought the approval of the various establishments within
the shopping mall to conduct the study before collecting
the bacterial samples. Afterwards, the researchers
underwent a biosafety training handled by the UPM-
DMM to ensure effective recovery of the bacteria
Collection of bacterial samples
Figure 2. Recovery method (a) surface swab and
(b) direct air contact
Samples of bacteria were taken from the eight
(8) sampling hand dryers via two methods: surface swab
and direct air contact. The researchers utilized a non-
selective medium, a nutrient agar plate, for each
collection method in the experiment to allow maximal
inclusion of bacteria present in the hand dryers.
For the surface swab, the air-emitting
component of the hand dryers was swabbed wholly.
Swabbing was done with the hand dryers turned off.
Following the conventional swabbing method, a sterile
cotton swab and an applicator stick were used to recover
bacteria and bacterial spores from the exterior surface of
the hand dryer (see Figure 2). The bacteria were then
released into an extracting BHI solution during a
vortexing step, followed by streaking across the agar
plates (Ismail et al., 2013).
6
Meanwhile, eight separate agar plates were
subjected to direct air contact by the hand dryers. The
research patterned their procedures for measuring
bacterial dispersal by air from a study by Huesca-Espita
(2018). The agar plates were placed 15cm away from
the air-emitting component of the dryers with a contact
time lasting 20 minutes (see Figure 2).
Bacterial culture
After the collection of bacterial samples, the
researchers sent a total of 16 nutrient agar plates to the
University of the Philippines Manila – Department of
Medical Microbiology laboratory to allow for the
bacterial cultures to grow. The plates were then
incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C following the protocol
used by the institution where the tests were conducted.
Figure 3. Incubation of the 16 agar plates
Bacterial count
Figure 4. Manual colony counting
The bacterial count was done with a colony-
counter following the protocol used by the institution.
Colonies within a total area of 19 mm2 were counted
manually. The number of CFUs taken from this area was
multiplied by a factor of three. The product served as a
representative bacterial count of the hand dryer. For
plates with less than 200 CFUs, all colonies were
counted without regard for the 19 mm2 area.
Identification of S. aureus isolates
To identify S. aureus isolates, the researchers
conducted a series of bacterial identification test (see
Figure 5). Colonies of Staphylococcus were first
identified by morphology. Staphylococcus colonies that
do appear white-to-yellowish in color and do not emit a
noticeable shimmer under white light were subcultured
onto a selective, blood-agar plate to induce growth of
Staphylococcus (see Figure 6). A gram staining
procedure was then performed for each suspect colony.
Slides were viewed under oil immersion lens. Gram-
positive cocci appearing in clusters were singled out as
suspect S. aureus colonies (see Figure 7).
Figure 5. Flow of bacterial identification tests to
establish S. aureus presence
Figure 6. Subculture of suspect Staphylococcus
colonies on a blood-agar plate
Figure 7. Sample gram-positive Staphylococcus
colonies viewed under oil-immersion lens
To establish the presence or absence of S.
aureus, the researchers subjected the suspect colonies to
the tube coagulase test. The coagulase test is a bacterial
identification test used to differentiate coagulase-
7
positive Staphylococcus from coagulase-negative
Staphylococcus. Suspect S. aureus colonies were
immersed in 5 ml of rabbit serum, and incubated at 37
°C for 24 hours. Emulsified colonies that agglutinate
were interpreted as positive readings (see Figure 8). As
the goal of the coagulase test is to determine the
presence of S. aureus, a positive reading was attributed
to the presence of the pathogen (Pradhan, 2013). A
negative reading was associated with the presence of
other species of Staphylococcus
Figure 8. Tube coagulase test (a) negative reading
and (b) positive reading
2.5 Statistical Analysis
Given the nature of the data, the researchers
opted for an independent samples t-test in the statistical
analysis of the results. Two treatment variables – the
recovery methods followed – were compared with the
number of CFUs functioning as the dependent variable
in statistical test. The software IBM SPSS Statistics was
utilized in performing the statistical test. Results
presented by the independent samples t-test table were
used to assess the degree of bacterial contamination in
the electric hand dryers. Meanwhile, the results of the
bacterial identification tests were tabulated based on the
coagulase test performed. The readings were assessed
on the presence of S. aureus regardless of the number of
colonies present per plate.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section discusses in detail the findings of
the study. Data gathered from the bacterial count were
quantitatively assessed based on the independent-
samples t-test. Meanwhile, data from the multiple
bacterial identification tests performed provided an
assessment of the presence or absence of S. aureus. The
results were shown to corroborate similar studies carried
out on the bacterial contamination in electric hand Suspect
dryers. Colony Gram Coagulase
Shape Grouping
(unit- Stain Test
Bacterial Count colony)
Colony count of the nutrient agar plates reveal 1-1 + coccus in clusters -
a greater degree of growth among air-exposed plates. 1-2 - coccus in clusters -
Agar plates that were streaked with the vortexing 2-1 - coccus none -
solution showed minimal to no bacterial growth. Several 2-2 - bacillus none N/A
factors could have hindered the growth of colonies. 2-3 + bacillus none N/A
Some species of bacteria require more than 24 hours to 2-4 - bacillus none N/A
incubate (Moldenhauer, 2014). To validate the findings 2-5 - coccus in clusters -
on the bacterial presence of hand dryer surfaces, the
3-1 + coccus in clusters -
researchers prepared a second set of surface swab
4-1 + coccus in clusters -
isolates. Blood agar plates were used instead of nutrient
5-1 + coccus in clusters -
agar plates; furthermore, incubation was lengthened to
72 hours. The second attempt at surface swabbing 5-2 + coccus in clusters -
showed an increase in colony formation in all hand 5-3 + coccus in clusters -
dryers except for hand dryer 1. Despite the findings of 6-1 + coccus in clusters -
the second attempt, the researchers subjected only the 6-2 + coccus in clusters -
results from the first trial to the statistical test so as to 7-1 + coccus in clusters -
prevent discrepancies in the analysis of data. 7-2 + coccus in clusters -
The bacterial count of air-exposed plates Table 1. Summary of findings on the bacterial
proves that bacterial buildup is not only possible, but identification test performed on surface-swabbed plates
also favorable, within the inner compartments of the
hand dryers. Moreover, the buildup of bacteria could be Suspect
indicative for the lack of maintenance and regular Colony Gram Coagulase
Shape Grouping
cleaning of the units. The presence of bacteria on the (unit- Stain Test
colony)
surfaces can be attributed to two practices: the contact
of hands onto the surface itself and the aerosolization of 1-1 + coccus in clusters -
bacteria from wet hands to the surface (Alharbi et al., 1-2 + coccus in clusters -
2015). Consequently, a lower count in the surface- 1-3 + coccus in clusters -
swabbed samples could mean that such practices are not 1-4 + coccus in clusters -
prevalent. 2-1 - bacillus none N/A
2-2 + coccus in clusters +
2-3 + coccus in clusters +
3-1 + coccus in clusters -
3-2 - coccus in clusters -
4-1 - bacillus none N/A
4-2 + coccus in clusters -
4-3 + coccus in clusters -
5-1 - bacillus none N/A
5-2 - bacillus none N/A
5-3 + coccus in clusters +
6-1 + coccus in clusters +
6-2 - bacillus none -
Figure 9. Bacteria Count of Electric Hand Dryers 7-1 - coccus none N/A
8-1 + coccus in clusters +
Identification of S. aureus isolates 8-2 + coccus in clusters +
Multiple bacterial identification tests were 8-3 + coccus in clusters +
carried out to screen for S. aureus isolates: Table 2. Summary of findings on the bacterial
morphological identification of colony-forming units, identification test performed on air-exposed plates
gram stain, and coagulase test. Table 1 shows the results
of the tests performed on surface-swabbed plates, while Suspect colonies that were discovered to be
Table 2 shows the results on air-exposed plates. bacillus-shaped or non-grouping were not tested for
coagulase. Meanwhile, suspect colonies that appeared

8
gram-negative were still subjected to the coagulase test
as they may have been overstained or understained
during the staining procedure.
Hand Dryer Staphylococcus aureus
(present or absent)
1 absent
2 present
3 absent
4 absent
5 present
6 absent
7 absent
8 present
Table 3. Presence of S. aureus in each sampling hand
dryer
Out of the eight (8) hand dryers units, only
three tested positive for the presence of S. aureus (See
Table 3). Although the suspect colonies possess the
general characteristics of S. aureus, the negative reading
of the majority on the coagulase test suggest the
presence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS).
In general, CoNS have a lower degree of pathogenicity
as compared to coagulase-positive species. The most
significant species in this group include S. epidermidis
and S. haemolyticus (Becker et al., 2014).
On the other hand, the existence of non-clotting
strains of S. aureus could lead to false negatives in the
tube coagulase test. It should be noted that the tubes
containing plasma were incubated for 24 hours. Some
strains of S. aureus are capable of producing
fibrinolysin – an enzyme that lyses clots on prolonged
incubation (Pradhan, 2014).
Few, if any, published reports have considered
the existence of coagulase-negative S. aureus. Not all
strains of S. aureus produce coagulase. Such rare strains
of S. aureus can only be identified by more intricate
tests such as the thermonuclease test and various gene
sequencing methods (Kroning et al., 2018; Pradhan,
2014). Nonetheless, it is also possible that the
researchers have committed errors in the screening of S.
aureus given its to other species of bacteria. Because of
the lack of resources and time, the researchers decided
not to further investigate the identities of the coagulase-
negative Staphylococcus.
3.1 Statistical Analysis
The bacterial count of the two groups (i.e.,
surface swab and air exposure) underwent an
independent samples t-test to check for the significant
difference existing between the two. The computed
value of .007 was compared to a significance value
of .05. The results of the statistical treatment show that
9
there exists a significant difference between the two
groups.
Table 4. Test of significant difference in bacterial count
between surface swab and air exposure
From the significant difference existing in the
bacterial count between surface swab samples and air
exposed samples, two key findings emerge. Firstly, the
analysis reveals that bacterial contamination in the hand
dryers is greater within the electric hand dryer itself
rather than on the surface of the unit. The results tie well
with previous studies which suggest that bacteria forced
out from the interior of the units are primarily
responsible for the deposition of bacteria onto hands and
onto surfaces (Huesca-Espitia et al., 2018). Secondly,
the minimal bacterial count on the surface swab cultures
proves that neither ambient air in the washroom nor the
contact of wet hands is ideal for the deposition of
bacteria onto the air-emitting surfaces of hand dryer.
When comparing the results of this study to those of
older studies, it must be pointed out that aerosolization
from wet hands to surfaces was found to be a major
source of bacterial cross-contamination (Best et al.,
2014).
3.2 Conclusion
Statistical treatment of data reveal that the null
hypothesis was rejected, suggesting that there exists a
significant difference in bacterial count between surface
swab and air exposure. The results of the analysis found
clear support for the deposition of bacteria primarily
through air dispersal. The hand dryer units tested were
likewise found to be reservoirs of bacteria, including the
pathogenic S. aureus.
3.3 Recommendations
Given the results of the study, it is
recommended that food establishments enact stricter
maintenance and cleaning of hand dryers to prevent
cross-contamination between the customers and the
environment. Alternative hand drying methods,
otherwise, should be encouraged.
The research was conducted only once within a
limited time frame. Future studies could investigate the
association between time and bacterial contamination in
the hand dryers by assessing contamination over a
longer period of time. The findings of the study could
also be strengthened by sampling a greater number of
hand dryers.
 An apparent limitation of the study conducted
was the inability to establish the strain identities of the
Staphylococcus discovered. The possibility of highly
virulent strains of S. aureus, such as the MRSA, and
other pathogenic bacteria warrants further investigation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The researchers would like to express their
gratitude to Dr. Jonas Feliciano Domingo, the research
supervisor, for his useful critiques on this research
paper. The researchers would like to thank the UPM-
DMM for providing the necessary equipment and
facilities to conduct the study. The researchers would
also like to extend their warmest thanks to Ms. Micaella
C. Dato for guiding the researcshers in the various
microbiological experiments. Finally, the researchers
acknowledge the infrastructure and support of the
Manila Science High School administration. The
accomplishment of this academic endeavor would have
not been possible without their generous aid.
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Labaree, R. (n.d.). Research Methods Information:
Quantitative Research. Retrieved August 7,
2018, from
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uide/research_methods_quantitative
Moldenhaueu, J. (2014). Justification of Incubation
Conditions Used for Environmental. Retrieved
September 13, 2018, from
https://www.americanpharmaeceuticalreview.c
om
Pradhan, P. (2013, May 19). Coagulase test: Principle,
Procedure and Interpretation. Retrieved June
24, 2018, from
http://microbesinfo.com/2013/05/coagulase-
test-a-definitive-test-for-identification-of-
staphylococcus-aureus
Price, M. (2013, April 5). Convenience Samples: What
they are, and what they should (and should not)
be used for. Retrieved August 1, 2018, from
https://hrdag.org/2013/04/05/convenience-
samples-what-they-are/
Public Health England (2014). UK Standards for
Microbiology Investigations: Identification of
Staphylococcus species, Micrococcus species
and Rothia species. London: UK Standards for
Microbiology Investigations, pp.9-12.
Rosenstein, R., & Götz, F. (2012). What Distinguishes
Highly Pathogenic Staphylococci from
Medium- and Non-pathogenic? Between
Pathogenicity and Commensalism Current
Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, 33-
89. doi:10.1007/82_2012_286
Taylor, T. A., & Unakal, C. G. (2018). Staphylococcus
Aureus. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls
Publishing. Retrieved June 24, 2018, from
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/287228
98.
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Management. Clinical Microbiology
Reviews,28(3), 603-661.
doi:10.1128/cmr.00134-14

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 Appendix A. Letters
Letter to the Laboratory

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Letter to the Research Assistant

13
Letter to conduct Biosafety Seminar

14
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 1

15
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 2

16
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 3

17
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 4

18
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 5

19
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 6

20
Approval Letter from Food Establishment # 7

21
Letter from Food Establishment # 8

22
Appendix B. Laboratory Results

23
Appendix C. SPSS Results
SPSS Input

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Independent samples T-test output

25
Appendix D. ISEF Forms
ISEF Form 1

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ISEF Form (1A)

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 Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus contamination by electric hand dryers
from Public Washrooms of a Shopping Mall in Metro Manila

RESEARCH PLAN:

Angelica Joyce C. Biagan, Raia Joon S. Catacutan, Matthew Keizo S. Yuda

Student, Manila Science High School, Taft Avenue corner Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila,
Philippines
Email: angelicajoycebiagan@gmail.com, raiajooncatacutan@yahoo.com,
matthew.yuda@gmail.com

1. RATIONALE
Electric hand dryers are often considered to be staple in public restrooms. Despite it ubiquity, the use of
hand dryers puts the user at risk of both contacting bacteria and spreading bacteria into the surrounding
environment. A study by Huesca-Espita (2018) shows strong evidence for the spread of bacteria and bacterial spores
via hot air blown hand dryers. Another study conducted by Alharbi et. al. (2016) reveals that several strains of
bacteria such as Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Bacillus cereus and
Brevundimonad diminuta/vesicularis were present in air blown from the sampled electric hand dryers. Furthermore,
the presence of the potentially pathogenic bacteria S. aureus was established in the same study.
S. aureus is a gram-positive bacterium associated with a wide variety of diseases, ranging from skin
infections to urinary track infections. The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains – such as the MRSA
(Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) – is of major epidemiological concern (Taylor and Unakal, 2017).
Other species of the genus, including S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, S. saprophyticus, and S. haemolyticus are less
likely to become virulent (Rosenstein and Gotz, 2012). Nonetheless, the presence of bacteria, particularly
pathogenic ones, in electric hand dryers poses as a threat to public health.
In the Philippines, an assessment of bacterial contamination in electric hand dryers from public restrooms
has yet to be conducted. As such, this study is expected to have several implications in the control of pathogenic
bacteria in the public environment of Metro Manila.
While it is common for most public restrooms to have electric hand dryers, restrooms of shopping malls are
at greatest risk of severe bacterial contamination given both the number and diversity of people utilizing these
places. The study is expected to assess the ability of electric hand dryers to contribute, rather than lessen cross
infection via airborne dissemination within the public restroom as well as contaminate users, both maintenance
personnel and mall-goer. Moreover, the study can be used as a basis to suggest other sustainable and efficient
methods of hand drying that lessens airborne contact. Consequently, the results of this study will allow for mall
managements to pursue necessary action to ensure the safety of its mall-goers.

2.1 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How many colony forming units (CFUs) are present in the bacterial cultures of sampling hand dryers
obtained from two methods, specifically:
1.1 surface swab; and
1.2 direct air contact
2. What is the significant difference in number of CFUs present in the bacterial cultures of sampling hand
dryers obtained from two methods, specifically:
2.1 surface swab; and
2.2 direct air contact
3. Is S. aureus present or absent in the bacterial cultures of sampling hand dryers obtained from two methods,
specifically:
3.1 surface swab; and
3.2 direct air contact

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2.2 HYPOTHESIS
3. There is no significant difference in the bacterial count (in CFUs) based on the two methods of sample
collection.

2.3 OBJECTIVES
1. To isolate bacteria from the sampling hand dryers for colony count
2. To establish the presence or absence of S. aureus in the sampling hand dryers
3. To determine the significant difference in the number of bacterial CFUs isolated from the hand dryers via
surface swab and direct air contact

2.4 EXPECTED OUTCOMES

1. Bacterial samples would be isolated from the sampling hand dryers via surface swab and air blow.
2. There would be a significant difference in the number of bacterial CFUs isolated from the hand dryers via
surface and direct air contact.
3. The presence of S. aureus in the sampling hand dryers would be established.

3. PROCEDURES
3.1 Material Collection and Preparation
The seven (7) electric hand dryers to be sampled will come from public restrooms in a shopping mall
situated in Metro Manila. The units will be assessed for the presence or absence of Staphylococcus. The nutrient
agar plates will be purchased from a local distributor of microbiological equipment. The researchers will also
purchase the cotton swabs that will be used to gather the bacteria present on the air vents.

3.2 Testing/Experiment
Bacterial samples will be acquired via two methods: surface cotton swab and direct air contact. Seven (7)
electric hand dryers will be sampled from the restrooms of a shopping mall in Manila. The surfaces of the air-
emitting compartment of the hand dryers will be swabbed, after which the swabs will be streaked across separate
nutrient agar plates. Meanwhile, another set of nutrient agar plates will have their surfaces blown with air from the
hand dryers for 30 seconds.
The agar plates will then be incubated for at least 24 hours to allows colonies of bacteria to form. The CFUs
will be quantified with the aid of a colony-counter. Statistical methods will then be used to analyze the data.
To determine the presence or absence of Staphylococcus in the plates, distinct colonies will be subjected to
a slide coagulase test – a bacterial identification test used to distinguish S. aureus from other species of
Staphylococcus by virtue of a bound coagulase which is present in S. aureus (Pradhan, 2013). Distinct colonies will
be emulsified with a saline solution, and will subsequently be placed on separate glass slides. Rabbit serum will be
dropped on each slide.

3.3 Assessment of Staphylococcus contamination

Emulsified colonies that agglutinate within 5-10 seconds will be considered positive. As the goal of a slide
coagulase test is to determine the presence of S. aureus, a positive reading will most likely be associated with the
presence of the pathogen (Pradhan, 2013). A negative reading could be attributed to the presence of other strains of
Staphylococcus; however, further tests need to be done in order to confirm this.

3.4 Risk and Safety

The researchers will practice ethical considerations in identifying the shopping mall whose public
restrooms shall be used for the study. Handling of the nutrient agar plates unto the electric hand dryer allows direct
contact from the electric hand dryer. This will pose as a threat to the researcher testing this procedure. In maintaining
contact with the electric hand dryer, the bacteria in the room and the perimeter of the electric hand dryer may be
dispersed everywhere else. The use of protection such as surgical gloves and face masks will be essential in the
experimental process to minimize the contact with airborne pathogens as much as possible.

3.5 Data Analysis

29
 Given the nature of the data, the researches will opt for a independent samples t-test in the analysis of data.
The recovery methods used will be the grouping variable. Meanwhile, the frequency of CFUs will function as the
dependent variable. The software IBM SPSS Statistics will be utilized in performing the statistical tests. Results
presented by the two-way ANOVA table will be used to assess the degree of Staphylococcus contamination in the
electric hand dryers.

REFERENCES
Alharbi, S. A., Salmen, S. H., Chinnathambi, A., Alharbi, N. S., Zayed, M., Al-Johny, B. O., & Wainwright, M.
(2016). Assessment of the bacterial contamination of hand air dryer in washrooms. Saudi Journal of
Biological Sciences, 23(2), 268-271. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.06.020
Huesca-Espitia, L. D., Aslanzadeh, J., Feinn, R., Joseph, G., Murray, T. S., & Setlow, P. (2018). Deposition of
Bacteria and Bacterial Spores by Bathroom Hot-Air Hand Dryers. Applied and Environmental
Microbiology, 84(8). doi:10.1128/aem.00044-18
Ngeow Y. F., Ong H. W., Tan P. (1989). Dispersal of bacteria by an electric air hand dryer. Retrieved June 18, 2018
from http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/2698982
Pradhan, P. (2013, May 19). Coagulase test: Principle, Procedure and Interpretation. Retrieved June 24, 2018, from
http://microbesinfo.com/2013/05/coagulase-test-a-definitive-test-for-identification-of-staphylococcus-
aureus
Rosenstein, R., & Götz, F. (2012). What Distinguishes Highly Pathogenic Staphylococci from Medium- and Non-
pathogenic? Between Pathogenicity and Commensalism Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology,
33-89. doi:10.1007/82_2012_286
Taylor, T. A., & Unakal, C. G. (2018). Staphylococcus Aureus. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved
June 24, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28722898.

ISEF Form (1B)

30
31
32
33
ISEF Form 2

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ISEF Form 3

35
 Appendix E. Receipt
Total Cost of Laboratory Use

36
Appendix F. Journal Entries

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38
39
 Appendix G. Documentation
Sampling Hand Dryer (Type A)

Note: Four (4) identical units of the hand dryer shown above were sampled.

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Sampling Hand Dryer (Type B)

Sampling Hand Dryer (Type C)

Sapling Hand Dryer (Type D)

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Sampling Hand Dryer (Type E)

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 Air-exposed Plates

Surface-swabbed Plates (Trial 1)

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Surface-swabbed Plates (Trial 2)

Laboratory Work

44
 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Angelica Joyce H. Biagan

Contact Number: 09084055138
Email address: angelicajoycebiagan@gmail.com

Name: Raia Joon S. Catacutan

Contact Number: 09321144944
Email address: raiajooncatacutan@yahoo.com

Name: Matthew Keizo S. Yuda

Contact Number: 09294835075
Email address: matthew.yuda@gmail.com

45