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Abney SE, Higham CA, Wilson AM, Ijaz MK, McKinney J, Reynolds KA, Gerba CP. Transmission of Viruses from Restroom Use: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024; 16:65-78. [PMID: 38372960 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09580-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Restroom use has been implicated in a number of viral outbreaks. In this study, we apply quantitative microbial risk assessment to quantify the risk of viral transmission by contaminated restroom fomites. We estimate risk from high-touch fomite surfaces (entrance/exit door, toilet seat) for three viruses of interest (SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, norovirus) through eight exposure scenarios involving differing user behaviors, and the use of hand sanitizer following each scenario. We assessed the impacts of several sequences of fomite contacts in the restroom, reflecting the variability of human behavior, on infection risks for these viruses. Touching of the toilet seat was assumed to model adjustment of the seat (open vs. closed), a common touch point in single-user restrooms (home, small business, hospital). A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted for each exposure scenario (10,000 simulations each). Norovirus resulted in the highest probability of infection for all exposure scenarios with fomite surfaces. Post-restroom automatic-dispensing hand sanitizer use reduced the probability of infection for each virus by up to 99.75%. Handwashing within the restroom, an important risk-reduction intervention, was not found to be as effective as use of a non-touch hand sanitizer dispenser for reducing risk to near or below 1/1,000,000, a commonly used risk threshold for comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Abney
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ciara A Higham
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fluid Dynamics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amanda M Wilson
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - M Khalid Ijaz
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, NJ, USA
| | - Julie McKinney
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, NJ, USA
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Community, Environment, & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Ma Y, Yi J, Ma J, Yu H, Luo L, Wu W, Jin L, Yang Q, Lou T, Sun D, Cao M. Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products. TOXICS 2023; 11:687. [PMID: 37624192 PMCID: PMC10459210 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Hand hygiene is a crucial measure in the prevention and control of infections, and there is a growing awareness among individuals who are making a conscious effort to maintain hand cleanliness. With the advent of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the demand for hand hygiene products has also gradually shifted towards those with antimicrobial properties. Among these products, hand sanitizer gels (HSGs) have gained considerable popularity as an efficient method of hand cleaning, due to their rapid drying and sustained antimicrobial efficacy. Concurrently, there has been a growing interest in novel HSGs that offer additional functions such as skin whitening, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects. These novel HSGs effectively address concerns associated with the ingestion of antimicrobial ingredients and demonstrate reduced skin irritation, thereby alleviating hand dermatological issues. This review provides an extensive overview of the application scenarios, classification, and challenges associated with HSGs while emphasizing the emergence of novel components with biological functions, aiming to contribute to the advancement of hand hygiene practices and offer novel insights for the development of novel HSGs with outstanding antimicrobial properties with other multiple biological functions and desirable biosafety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilei Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jia Yi
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Li Luo
- Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523059, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ting Lou
- Yiwu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yiwu 322000, China;
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Min Cao
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
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Andrup L, Krogfelt KA, Hansen KS, Madsen AM. Transmission route of rhinovirus - the causative agent for common cold. A systematic review. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:938-957. [PMID: 36535318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of acute respiratory tract illness and upper respiratory tract infections, traditionally defined as 'common colds'. Experimental transmission of RV has been studied for more than 50 years. However, there are divergent results as to whether hands and fomites or aerosols constitute the dominant route of transmission in natural settings. METHODS We have systematically reviewed the literature according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Searches were run in PubMed and Web of Science until August 2022. Inclusion criteria were original studies of relevance for revealing the route of transmission of rhinovirus in humans. RESULTS The search yielded 663 results, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. These articles addressing RV transmission routes were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) indirect transmission by fomites and hands, (2) direct transmission via large aerosols (droplets) or small aerosols, or (3) transmission either direct via large aerosols (droplets) or small aerosols and fomite or hands. CONCLUSIONS We found low evidence, that transmission via hands and fomite followed by self-inoculation is the dominant transmission route in real-life indoor settings. We found moderate evidence, that airborne transmission either via large aerosols or small aerosols is the major transmission route of rhinovirus transmission in real-life indoor settings. This suggests that the major transmission route of RVs in many indoor settings is through the air (airborne transmission).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Andrup
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Karen A Krogfelt
- Department of Science and Environment, Molecular and Medical Biology, PandemiX Center Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abney SE, Wilson AM, Ijaz MK, McKinney J, Reynolds KA, Gerba CP. Minding the matrix: The importance of inoculum suspensions on finger transfer efficiency of virus. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3083-3093. [PMID: 35916494 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to determine how the transfer efficiency of MS-2 coliphage from the toilet seat to hands and fingertip to lip differs according to the suspension of the inoculum. METHODS AND RESULTS Hands were sampled after lifting a toilet seat which was inoculated with MS-2 on the underneath side. MS-2 was suspended in a spectrum of proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous solutions. Transfer efficiencies were greatest with the ASTM tripartite soil load (3.02% ± 4.03) and lowest with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (1.10% ± 0.81) for hand-to-toilet seat contacts. Finger-to-lip transfer rates were significantly different (p < 0.05) depending on suspension matrix, with PBS yielding the highest transfer (52.53% ± 4.48%) and tryptose soy broth (TSB) the lowest (23.15% ± 24.27%). Quantitative microbial risk assessment was used to estimate the probability of infection from adenovirus and norovirus from finger contact with a toilet seat. CONCLUSIONS The greatest transfer as well as the largest variation of transfer were measured for finger-to-lip contacts as opposed to toilet seat-to-finger contacts. These factors influence the estimation of the probability of infection from micro-activity, that is, toilet seat adjustment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT Viruses may be transferred from various human excreta with differing transfer efficiencies, depending on the protein content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Abney
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Amanda M Wilson
- Department of Community, Environment, and Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - M Khalid Ijaz
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Julie McKinney
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.,Department of Community, Environment, and Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Gallegos-Alcalá P, Jiménez M, Cervantes-García D, Salinas E. The Keratinocyte as a Crucial Cell in the Predisposition, Onset, Progression, Therapy and Study of the Atopic Dermatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910661. [PMID: 34639001 PMCID: PMC8509070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The keratinocyte (KC) is the main functional and structural component of the epidermis, the most external layer of the skin that is highly specialized in defense against external agents, prevention of leakage of body fluids and retention of internal water within the cells. Altered epidermal barrier and aberrant KC differentiation are involved in the pathophysiology of several skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by cutaneous and systemic immune dysregulation and skin microbiota dysbiosis. Nevertheless, the pathological mechanisms of this complex disease remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the participation of the KC in different aspects of the AD. We provide an overview of the genetic predisposing and environmental factors, inflammatory molecules and signaling pathways of the KC that participate in the physiopathology of the AD. We also analyze the link among the KC, the microbiota and the inflammatory response underlying acute and chronic skin AD lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Gallegos-Alcalá
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Basic Science, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico; (P.G.-A.); (M.J.); (D.C.-G.)
| | - Mariela Jiménez
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Basic Science, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico; (P.G.-A.); (M.J.); (D.C.-G.)
| | - Daniel Cervantes-García
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Basic Science, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico; (P.G.-A.); (M.J.); (D.C.-G.)
- National Council of Science and Technology, Ciudad de México 03940, Mexico
| | - Eva Salinas
- Department of Microbiology, Center of Basic Science, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico; (P.G.-A.); (M.J.); (D.C.-G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-449-9108424
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Mousazadeh M, Naghdali Z, Rahimian N, Hashemi M, Paital B, Al-Qodah Z, Mukhtar A, Karri RR, Mahmoud AED, Sillanpää M, Dehghani MH, Emamjomeh MM. Management of environmental health to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19 ) 2021. [PMCID: PMC8237497 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85780-2.00007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently pronounced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a serious pandemic. It is, therefore, mandatory for public health authorities to have an environmental health management plan against COVID-19. This chapter summarizes articles and official reports related to environmental health management and prevention policies against COVID-19. Because medical sectors require comprehensive guidelines to follow in such pandemic situations, this chapter highlights the significant factors of COVID-19 transmission in our environment (e.g., air), waste management for COVID-19, and protection and disinfection policies against COVID-19. At present, scientists are still discovering more about COVID-19 and its effect on the environment and the health sector. As such, further research is required to increase knowledge about the structural and pathogenic features of COVID-19 and to find effective treatments to dominate this epidemic.
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Brouwer AF, Masters NB, Eisenberg JNS. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment and Infectious Disease Transmission Modeling of Waterborne Enteric Pathogens. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:293-304. [PMID: 29679300 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0196-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Waterborne enteric pathogens remain a global health threat. Increasingly, quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and infectious disease transmission modeling (IDTM) are used to assess waterborne pathogen risks and evaluate mitigation. These modeling efforts, however, have largely been conducted independently for different purposes and in different settings. In this review, we examine the settings where each modeling strategy is employed. RECENT FINDINGS QMRA research has focused on food contamination and recreational water in high-income countries (HICs) and drinking water and wastewater in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). IDTM research has focused on large outbreaks (predominately LMICs) and vaccine-preventable diseases (LMICs and HICs). Human ecology determines the niches that pathogens exploit, leading researchers to focus on different risk assessment research strategies in different settings. To enhance risk modeling, QMRA and IDTM approaches should be integrated to include dynamics of pathogens in the environment and pathogen transmission through populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Brouwer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Nina B Masters
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Biezen R, Grando D, Mazza D, Brijnath B. Visibility and transmission: complexities around promoting hand hygiene in young children - a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:398. [PMID: 30975108 PMCID: PMC6460784 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6729-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective hand hygiene practice can reduce transmission of diseases such as respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and gastrointestinal infections, especially in young children. While hand hygiene has been widely promoted within Australia, primary care providers’ (PCPs) and parents’ understanding of hand hygiene importance, and their views on hand hygiene in reducing transmission of diseases in the community are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the views of PCPs and parents of young children on their knowledge and practice of hand hygiene in disease transmission. Methods Using a cross-sectional qualitative research design, we conducted 30 in-depth interviews with PCPs and five focus groups with parents (n = 50) between June 2014 and July 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were thematically analysed. Results Participants agreed that hand hygiene practice was important in reducing disease transmissions. However, barriers such as variations of hand hygiene habits, relating visibility to transmission; concerns around young children being obsessed with washing hands; children already being ‘too clean’ and the need to build their immunity through exposure to dirt; and scepticism that hand hygiene practice was achievable in young children, all hindered participants’ motivation to develop good hand hygiene behaviour in young children. Conclusion Despite the established benefits of hand hygiene, sustained efforts are needed to ensure its uptake in routine care. To overcome the barriers identified in this study a multifaceted intervention is needed that includes teaching young children good hand hygiene habits, PCPs prompting parents and young children to practice hand hygiene when coming for an RTI consultation, reassuring parents that effective hand hygiene practice will not lead to abnormal psychological behaviour in their children, and community health promotion education campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Danilla Grando
- School of Science, RMIT University, Building 223, Level 1, Bundoora Campus, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Danielle Mazza
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Bianca Brijnath
- National Ageing Research Institute LTD, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Pitol AK, Bischel HN, Kohn T, Julian TR. Virus Transfer at the Skin-Liquid Interface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:14417-14425. [PMID: 29161027 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b04949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Understanding virus transfer between liquid and skin is necessary to estimate transmission during water-related activities. Here, we modeled virus transfer from liquid-to-skin and skin-to-liquid. We performed human subject studies using three bacteriophages as pathogenic virus surrogates: nonenveloped MS2 and Qβ and enveloped Φ6. Our study shows that transfer from liquid-to-skin is describable by a single model based on (1) virus concentration and (2) volume of liquid remaining on skin. Contact times (0.1-30 min), and virus species had little-to-no influence on virus transfer. Likewise, liquid conditions (pH 6-9, ionic strength 10-550 mM) had no influence on transfer as shown for MS2. The model accounts for both, virus adsorbed onto the skin, and virus in the liquid retained on skin. In comparison, virus transfer from skin-to-liquid was influenced by the wetness of the skin and by liquid type (water, saliva). 90 ± 19% of the virus inoculated on the skin are transferred to the water when the skin remains wet compared to 30 ± 17% when the skin is dry. The transfer from skin-to-liquid was 41% higher when the recipient liquid was water as compared with saliva. This study quantifies virus transfer between liquid and skin and guides risk assessments of water-related activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Pitol
- Eawag , Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, School of Architecture, Civil, and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Heather N Bischel
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, School of Architecture, Civil, and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California , Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Tamar Kohn
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, School of Architecture, Civil, and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Timothy R Julian
- Eawag , Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel , Basel, Switzerland
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Contaminated Portable Equipment Is a Potential Vector for Dissemination of Pathogens in the Intensive Care Unit. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017; 38:1247-1249. [PMID: 28780909 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2017.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A DNA marker inoculated onto shared portable equipment in surgical and medical intensive care units disseminated widely to surfaces in patient rooms and provider work areas and to other types of portable equipment. These results demonstrate the potential for contaminated portable equipment to serve as a vector for dissemination of pathogens. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1247-1249.
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Gruber JF, Bowman NM, Becker-Dreps S, Reyes Y, Belson C, Michaels KC, Bucardo F. Risk Factors for Norovirus Gastroenteritis among Nicaraguan Children. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:937-943. [PMID: 28722577 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Norovirus is a leading cause of pediatric gastroenteritis. Understanding norovirus epidemiology is essential for reducing disease burden. We conducted a case-control study to describe the distribution, clinical features, and risk factors of norovirus gastroenteritis among children < 5 years of age in León, Nicaragua. Cases were children testing positive for norovirus and controls were children living in the cases' communities. Study staff interviewed mothers of enrolled cases and controls to obtain detailed exposure information including food, water, and sanitation sources; recent exposures; household characteristics; and handwashing practices. In addition, study staff requested stool samples to be tested for norovirus from select household members. We used descriptive statistics to understand the epidemiologic and clinical features of gastroenteritis episodes. To analyze potential risk factors, we used Firth's penalized logistic regression to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There were 102 children with gastroenteritis, 18 cases of norovirus and 31 controls. Norovirus cases occurred later in the year, corresponding to a delay in the rainy season. Cases were more likely to have a household member with norovirus in their stool as compared with controls [crude OR: 13.3 (95% CI: 2.5, 136.2) and adjusted OR: 11.5 (95% CI: 1.6, 223.2)]. In addition, alcohol-based hand sanitizer use among household members was reported for 10 (32%) of controls and but never for cases. Further research is needed to understand household transmission of norovirus in low- and middle-income countries and the potential impact of hand sanitizer use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann F Gruber
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Natalie M Bowman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sylvia Becker-Dreps
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Yaoska Reyes
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, León, Nicaragua
| | - Connor Belson
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kenan C Michaels
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Filemon Bucardo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, León, Nicaragua
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Tamimi AH, Edmonds-Wilson SL, Gerba CP. Use of a Hand Sanitizing Wipe for Reducing Risk of Viral Illness in the Home. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2015; 7:354-358. [PMID: 26063002 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-015-9204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study determined whether a hand sanitizing wipe can reduce virus transmission in households, and could reduce the probability of infection by rhinovirus and rotavirus. Bacteriophage MS-2 (a marker virus) was used to assess viral transmission in five households having at least two children of ages 2-18. Hands of one female adult were inoculated with ~10(8) PFU MS-2 bacteriophages in each home, and after 8 h, hands of all family members and select fomites were sampled to determine baseline contamination without intervention. This sequence was repeated with the intervention, where all family members were instructed to use a quaternary ammonium compound-based sanitizing wipe at least once per day. A significant reduction of virus after the intervention occurred on inoculated hands (95.3%; p = 0.0039), all fomites combined (74.5%; p < 0.005), and non-inoculated hands and fomites combined (73.5%; p < 0.005). However, viral reduction on non-inoculated hands was not significant, likely due to small sample size. Using rhinovirus and rotavirus as models it was estimated that infection risk was reduced by ~30 to 89% with the use of sanitizing wipes once per day depending on the starting concentration of these viruses on hands of susceptible individuals. Therefore, using a hand sanitizing wipe can significantly reduce viral transmission and risk of illness in homes. Previous studies have shown other hand hygiene interventions, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, are even more effective for reducing risk of illness in homes; however the sanitizing wipe used in this study is appropriate to use for microbial reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akrum H Tamimi
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Sarah L Edmonds-Wilson
- Research and Development, GOJO Industries, One GOJO Plaza, Suite 500, Akron, OH, 44311, USA.
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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