1.1 Introduction
Barbers are important professionals in the community and their shops are mostly owned, maintained and financed by individuals of that community (Enemour et al., 2012). It has been shown that barbing operations includes hair cutting, face and scalp massaging, dying, shampooing of hair (Janjua and Nizamy, 2004). Microorganisms are living things that are ordinarily too small to be seen without magnification (Kathleen and Arthur, 2002). Microorganisms are ubiquitous, existing even on skin surfaces and are continually introduced into the environment which could easily spread between client and operators via contact with unwashed hands, soiled equipment or contact with blood and body substances (De Souza and Shibu, 2004). Since the barber tools are shared, there is significant risk of infections through clippers, combs, scissors, towels and hair brushes unless proper hygienic practices are in place (Chanda, 2004).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Since barbering practices involve the use of equipment such as clipper and razor, they may pierce the skin accidentally and transmit pathogenic microorganisms as well as causing injury. The blood and other body fluids do not have to be visible on instruments, equipment or working surfaces before infections can be transmitted. Other primary infections associated with barbing practices include skin infection of the scalp, neck, and face such as impetigo and fungal infection such as ringworm and Tinea capitis (Brown 2006; Amodio et al., 2010; Barn and Chen, 2011). Louse infestation has also been reported to be associated with barbing salons and transmitted by contact (Ruddy et al., 2001). A significant population of the community enjoys the service of barbers, their shops and professional practices serve as sources of transmission of various infections directly or indirectly with some bacterial infection occurring without breaking the skin (Salami et al., 2006).
Reportedly isolated bacteria from barber shops have been shown to cause various pus-forming diseases in humans such as boils, carbuncles, folliculitis, impetigo contagiosa, scalded- skin syndrome. Isolation of organisms from the equipment and tools used in salons indicate that sterilization methods usually employed by the operations are not effective if at all they sterilize items between clients. Apart from bacteria, fungi have also been isolated from barbers’ equipment and this means that hygienic practices in most barbing salons are far below expected standards (Mbajiuka et al., 2014).
In barbers’ shops there is frequent use of blades often without proper sterilization and the clients' face and skull skin can be scratched or cut by sharp equipment during shaving and shaping of the hair (Fantahun et al., 2010). In several countries shared shaving equipment in barbershops is commonly practiced. Accidental scratch by sharp equipment in barbershops may create an opportunity for microorganisms, mainly HIV and other blood borne pathogens, to enter into the body causing serious health problems to the clients (Cheesebrough, 2000).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to Isolate and Identify of Microorganisms Associated with Barber's Clipper.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that hair clippings are a source of allergens for certain atopic (sensitized) individuals and manifest itself by causing a wide variety of symptoms, including eczema and localized or generalized hives and skin rashes; itching, watery or puffy eyes; respiratory conditions such as nasal discharge and sneezing.
According to (Janjua et al., 2004) various health hazards, including communicable diseases and skin conditions are associated with barbers’ profession. Barbering practices have also been associated with diseases such as allergy.
According to Wazir et al., (2008) the frequency of allergy complaints has been found to be significantly higher in older individuals and in women and in most cases those having history of allergy. This is as a result of chemicals allergens and irritant used in barbershops which frequently cause health problems such as respiratory tract reactions, asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis, and ocular diseases in barbers (Wazir et al., 2008).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to Isolate and Identify of Microorganisms Associated with Barber's Clipper. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the pathogenic microorganisms associated with barbing equipment; and
- To determine the microbiological hazards of barber shops by isolating and identifying potential bacterial pathogens from materials and equipment used in barber shops by swabbing surfaces of combs, brush, shaving machines/ clippers, customer apron, shelve and towels using moistened sterile cotton swabs.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there pathogenic microorganisms associated with barbing equipment?
- What is the microbiological hazards of barber shops by isolating and identifying potential bacterial pathogens from materials and equipment used in barber shops by swabbing surfaces of combs, brush, shaving machines/ clippers, customer apron, shelve and towels using moistened sterile cotton swabs?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms Associated with Barber's Clipper using Nekede, Owerri, Imo State as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
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