TOTAL AND FECAL COLIFORMS CONTAMINATION IN FAUCETS AND FLUSH BOTTOMS IN PUBLIC WASHROOMS SITED IN SHOPPING MALLS OF CURITIBA, STATE OF PARANA, BRAZIL

A study was performed regarding the presence of fecal coliforms in faucets and flush bottoms in public restrooms in 10 shopping malls of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The presence of these bacteria shows fecal contamination. Escherichia coli is the prototype of fecal coliforms that was found in 13,1% of the samples, being more common on faucets (21.9%) than on flush bottoms (4.6%), this difference was significant. Other enterobacteria have been found: Enterobacter agglomerans, Enterobacter sakazakii, Klebsiella oxytoca, Providencia alcafaciens, Providencia rettgeri and Serratia liquefaciens. These bacteria do not necessarily indicate fecal contamination. Nonfermentative gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) were found in 25 samples (43,9%), being more common over the flush bottoms (39,5%). The presence of fecal coliforms may indicate imperfection in the hygienic cleaning in these places, compromising the health of its users.