Research Article Details

Abstract

Socks provide comfort and protection to the feet but can also serve as a suitable environment for microbial growth due to the accumulation of sweat, moisture, warmth and nutrients. The present study was conducted to isolate and identify the bacterial microflora associated with worn socks. A total of 10 socks samples were collected from healthy male volunteers aged 15–30 years using sterile swabs. Swab samples were inoculated onto Nutrient Agar and MacConkey Agar and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. The isolates were characterized based on colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests. The study revealed a diverse microbial population associated with the sock samples. Gram-negative bacilli were predominant, while Staphylococci and Actinomycetes were also detected in some samples. The bacterial isolates included Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp. along with Bacillus species. The findings demonstrate that socks can harbour diverse microorganisms, including potentially opportunistic pathogens. The warm and humid conditions inside socks and footwear may favour microbial multiplication and contribute to unpleasant foot odour. Proper washing, thorough drying and regular changing of socks are therefore important for maintaining foot hygiene. The study highlights the microbiological significance of socks, its cleanliness and the potential need for antimicrobial approaches to reduce socks microflora thereby improving foot hygiene.

Keywords
Socks microflora; Gram staining; Escherichia coli; Klebsiella spp.; Pseudomonas spp. Antimicrobial approaches