Microbiological Analysis of Tissue Paper Pre- and Post-Exposure in Restrooms and its effects to women’s health

Back ground and Objectives: Toilet tissue paper are sanitary paper that comes into direct contact with the body but at the same time they are a good place for growth of microorganism. The objective of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the presence or absence of bacterial and fungal contaminants present on tissue paper remained in toilets. Methods: Ten toilet tissue paper brands commercially available in Erbil City were tested for bacterial and fungal examination before placing them in toilet (zero time) and after placing them in five (5) different sites that determined within the college of health sciences building’s toilets then the samples cultured on (Blood agar, Mannitol salt agar, PDA, and Nutrient agar) the microorganisms were identified based on their morphological characteristics and biochemical test (API 20E test). Results: The study showed no bacterial growth found on the tissue paper before placing them in toilet while Aspergillus niger showed growth on (Gi, Al and NM) tissue paper before placing in toilet. After remaining of tissue papers in different toilet sites , Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from female cafeteria (Selpak), Serratia liquefaciens isolated from cafeteria male (Solo) and students toilet for both gender (Gipsy), Salmonella spp. isolated from students toilet for both gender (Limpio), Staphylococcus aureous isolated from female dean (Alwazir), Bacillus sp. isolated from dean building (Fine) and male and female cafeteria(Papia and Selin), Clostridium tetani isolated from female dean (Familia and Alwazir ) and dean building (No brand), and finally, Streptococcus spp. have isolated from male cafeteria (Solo). The fungi that have been isolated from these sites were (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus candidus, Rhizopus oryzae, Penicilium citrinum, Penicilium camemberti, Aternaria alternate) Conclusion: Different bacteria and fugal species identified after remaining the tissue papers in toilet sites that indicate transmission of bacteria present in toilet to tissue papers. contaminated toilet tissue can pose serious health risks for women, including urinary tract infections and vaginal infections due to exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi.