Baby weighing scales are essential devices used in neonatal care for monitoring infant growth and development. However, inadequate cleaning and disinfection may allow these devices to serve as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms. This study assessed bacterial contamination of baby weighing scales and evaluated the associated public health risks in healthcare facilities across Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving swab samples collected from forty baby weighing scales in selected public and private healthcare facilities. Samples were obtained from tray surfaces, control buttons, and side edges using sterile swab sticks and transported to the laboratory for microbiological analysis. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The results revealed notable bacterial contamination of baby weighing scales. Predominant isolates included Staphylococcus epidermidis (40%), Escherichia coli (25%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%), and Klebsiella spp. (15%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed high resistance to ampicillin among most isolates, whereas ciprofloxacin and gentamicin demonstrated high sensitivity. Staphylococcus aureus remained susceptible to vancomycin, while E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were susceptible to ceftazidime. Pseudomonas spp. also showed good susceptibility to imipenem. The findings indicate that baby weighing scales may act as potential reservoirs for bacterial pathogens and could contribute to cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections among neonates. Regular disinfection of weighing scales after each use, improved infection prevention training for healthcare workers, and periodic microbiological surveillance are recommended to minimize contamination risks and improve neonatal safety.
