Pathogenic Microbe Analysis of Lab Keyboards

We would like to test the effectiveness of various disinfectants over a period of time to determine their short term and longer term effects in prevention of pathogenic microbe proliferation. Our hypothesis is that the disinfectants will select for more resistant bacteria. Supplies: 20 agar gel plates, 20 sterile swabs, 2 types of disinfectant, paper towels, water, a measuring cup, and 4 groups of 5 computer keyboards actively in use in a computer lab. Procedure: Step 1: The first group of computers will be the control group. The second group of computers will be cleaned with a paper towel with a specified amount of one of the disinfectants. The third group will cleaned with a paper towel with a specified amount of the other disinfectant. The fourth group will be cleaned with a damp paper towel with the same specified amount as above of tap water. Step 2: After 5 days, each computer keyboard will be swabbed and each swab will inoculate one agar plate. Step 3: After 5 more days, the growth in each agar plate will be recorded and identified if possible. Special attention will be paid to the level of resistance of the bacteria found. We expect our results to show that harsher antibacterial disinfectants will select for more resistant microbes