Abstract

Biofilms from different microhabitats such as air conditioner outlets, drainage system pipes, laboratory and kitchen sinks were sampled twice from the same sample sites at interval of four weeks. The sample sites were University of Port Harcourt, Abuja campus, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Alakahia town, Rivers State. The significance of the study was to determine the various groups of bacteria and fungi involved in biofilm formation within the microhabitats sampled. Such knowledge will help us to understand the health implications of the individuals at risk within the environment sampled. A total of 48 bacterial and 34 fungal species covering 10 and four genera, respectively were isolated and characterized as Bacillus, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Vibrio; Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium and Saccharomyces. Drainage system pipes had the highest frequency of bacterial and fungal microbial composition. On the other hand, kitchen sinks had the lowest frequency of bacterial isolates while laboratory sinks had the lowest fungal microbial communities isolated from the biofilms. The variation in microbial load was attributed to varying favourable conditions which aided in biofilm development at various stages in the respective microhabitats. Industrial and medical equipment need to be monitored for biofilm attachment and such discourage their formation where it is not beneficial with appropriate biocide applications.

Key words: Biofilms, health, microhabitats.