O-58 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) - Sources of Bacterial Contamination and Antimicrobial Resistance in Georgetown, Guyana
Author(s):
E Tyrell, N Hicks, B Clarke, T Hutson, C Abrams, B Ally-Charles, M Low-koon, A Hutson, A Pearson
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: To determine the microbial load and prevalence
of bacteria on ATM keypads in Georgetown, investigate the
susceptibility and resistance of isolates to specific antibiotics and examine whether there are significant relationships
between the banks, their location, size and the microbial
load.
Methods: 53 ATM keypads, across five banking institutions, were sampled in July-August 2024. ATMs were classified into Downtown, Outer, and Greater Georgetown areas. Samples were collected using sterile swabs, diluted and processed to determine total viable counts. Isolates were identified using standard protocols, and antibiotic resistance patterns were determined. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and statistical tests to assess relationships between banks and categories (Low:0-<5x10,000 cfu/ml; Medium:5x10,000 - 2.5x100,000 cfu/ml; High >2.5x100,000 cfu/ml).
Results: A total of 132 (40.7%) of 324 samples processed, showed growth. Forty-four (83%) out of 53 ATMs sampled, had growth. Most ATMs were in Downtown Georgetown, with 21 having Low, 12 having Medium, and 11 having High growth. A significant association between location and categories was found using Fisher’s Exact Test, with Downtown ATMs having five times greater odds of Low colony count (P= 0.0376, OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 1.14–23.0). Isolates identified were 16 Gram-positive cocci (GPC) and five Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Among the GPCs, 12 were Staphylococcus aureus, two of which were MRSA. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pantoea sp., and Klebsiella oxytoca were identified for GNB. Most Staphylococcus isolates were resistant to ceftazidime-avibactam, ampicillin, and ceftolozane-tazobactam, while most GNBs were resistant to cefazolin and ampicillin. Twenty isolates were sensitive to sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Six GPCs were multidrug-resistant, but none of the GNBs.
Conclusion: We recommend stringent cleaning schedules, proper hand hygiene, and alternative disinfection methods such as UV-C light. The Guyana Association of Bankers Inc and the stakeholders involved in Guyana’s AMR strategy will be informed of these results.