Document Detail


A critical evaluation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria of medical interest on commonly touched household surfaces in relation to household demographics.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19361887     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: We sought to characterize and quantify bacteria of medical interest on commonly touched household surfaces and to evaluate predictors such as employment, day care attendance, and presence of infants and pets. METHODS: A convenience sample of 35 homes was recruited from the metro-Boston area, and up to 32 surfaces were sampled in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. RESULTS: Highest bacterial counts were associated with wet sites including hand/skin contact surfaces such as the tub, kitchen sink, and faucet handles. Surfaces were found to be contaminated with the bacteria of medical interest including species of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, methicillin-sensitive Staphyloccus aureus (MSSA), and methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA). CONCLUSION: A number of hand/skin contact surfaces were found to be frequently contaminated with one or more of the bacteria of medical interest. The presence of a cat in the home was found to be a strong predictor for the isolation of MRSA. This study provides further insight about microorganisms of medical interest on surfaces in American homes and the impact of factors that can influence bacterial contamination. The study may indicate that cleaning in private homes should be directed to the areas pinpointed by the study as very rich in bacteria of potential medical importance.
Authors:
Elizabeth Scott; Susan Duty; Karen McCue
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2009-04-09
Journal Detail:
Title:  American journal of infection control     Volume:  37     ISSN:  1527-3296     ISO Abbreviation:  Am J Infect Control     Publication Date:  2009 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-07-31     Completed Date:  2009-09-28     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8004854     Medline TA:  Am J Infect Control     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  447-53     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Simmons College Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, USA. scotte2@simmons.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Animals
Boston
Cats
Child
Child, Preschool
Colony Count, Microbial
Demography
Dogs
Enterobacteriaceae / isolation & purification*
Environmental Microbiology*
Family Characteristics*
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Prevalence
Pseudomonas / isolation & purification*
Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
Young Adult

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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