Diversity of Skin Bacteria Before and After Hand Wash

Abstract

Back ground: The layers and structures of the skin serve as elaborate hosts to microbes, including a diversity of commensally and pathogenic bacteria that contribute to both human health and disease. Aim: This study conducted to identify the microbes inhabiting the skin, and its density before and after hand washing. Subjects &Methods: The study sample included 120 healthy undergraduate students from Diyala Medical College aged 20-22 years. Skin swabs from the hands before & after hand wash were taken. Detergent & disinfectants were used in hand washing. Results: The results reveal that there were many types of bacteria inhabiting the skin, decreased in density after hand washing