Spoilage Bacteria Associated with Selected Body Lotions Commonly Used amongst Students of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The study investigated the spoilage bacteria associated with selected body lotions commonly used amongst students of the University of Port Harcourt. The influence of the body lotion on the bacterial composition of the skin was also determined. Five in- use lotions were obtained from students within the University while five unused ones were purchased from stores. Skin swabs were collected before and after use of the lotion from 25 different study subjects for a period of 10 consecutive days. Bacterial counts were determined using the spread plate method. Average bacterial counts of skin swab ranged from 6.0±0.5 to 300.0±0.0 and from 2.0±0.0 to 300.0±0.0. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts of in-use and unused lotion samples ranged from 5.84 log cfu /ml to 7.14 log cfu/ml and from 5.50 log cfu/ml to 7.04 log cfu/ml respectively. Total Staphylococcal counts ranged from 4.76 log cfu/ml to 6.39 log cfu/ml and from 4.27 log cfu/ml to 5.57 log cfu/ml respectively while total coliform counts ranged from 0 log cfu/ml to 5.88 log cfu/ml and from 0 log cfu/ml to 3.47 log cfu/ml respectively. Total Shigella counts obtained from used lotion samples ranged from 0 log cfu/ml to 5.54 log cfu/ml while it was not detected in the unused samples. The bacterial organisms isolated from the study include; Escherichia spp, Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Proteus sp and Micrococcus sp. The study also showed incomplete label disclosure. The study revealed the presence of bacteria of public health importance in both the in-use and unused lotion samples. The need for stricter adoption and maintenance of current good manufacturing practices during manufacture and better hygiene practices during usage by consumers cannot be overemphasized.