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Bento de Carvalho T, Barbosa JB, Teixeira P. Effectiveness and Durability of a Quaternary Ammonium Compounds-Based Surface Coating to Reduce Surface Contamination. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050669. [PMID: 37237483 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050669] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Foodborne diseases are of major concern as they have a significant impact on public health, both socially and economically. The occurrence of cross-contamination of food in household kitchens is a serious threat and the adoption of safe food practices is of paramount importance. This work aimed to study the effectiveness and durability of a commercial quaternary ammonium compound-based surface coating which, according to the manufacturer, retains its antimicrobial activity for 30 days, and is suitable for all types of hard surfaces for the prevention and/or control of cross-contamination. For that, its antimicrobial efficacy, killing contact time and durability on three different surfaces-polyvinyl chloride, glass, and stainless-steel-against three pathogens-Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Acinetobacter baumannii ESB260 and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A-were tested according to the current antimicrobial treated surfaces efficacy test (ISO22196:2011). The results showed that the antimicrobial coating was effective against all pathogens with a reduction of >5.0 log CFU/cm2 in less than one minute for the three surfaces, but its durability was less than one week on all surfaces cleaned in the usual manner. Additionally, trace amounts (≤0.2 mg/kg) of the antimicrobial coating, which may migrate into food when contacting the surface, did not show cytotoxicity to human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The suggested antimicrobial coating has the potential to significantly reduce surface contamination, ensure surface disinfection and reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination in domestic kitchens, although it is less durable than suggested. The use of this technology in household settings is an attractive complement to the existing cleaning protocols and solutions that are already in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Bento de Carvalho
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Laboratório Associado, CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diego Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Bastos Barbosa
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Laboratório Associado, CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diego Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Teixeira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Laboratório Associado, CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diego Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
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2
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Sharma S, Jaiswal AK, Duffy B, Jaiswal S. Food Contact Surfaces: Challenges, Legislation and Solutions. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2021.1929299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Sharma
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Research in Engineering and Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amit K. Jaiswal
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan Duffy
- Centre for Research in Engineering and Surface Technology (CREST), FOCAS Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Swarna Jaiswal
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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González-Olmo MJ, Delgado-Ramos B, Ruiz-Guillén A, Romero-Maroto M, Carrillo-Díaz M. Oral hygiene habits and possible transmission of COVID-19 among cohabitants. BMC Oral Health 2020; 20:286. [PMID: 33076880 PMCID: PMC7569355 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-01274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To find out whether misuse of dental hygiene, in terms of certain dental habits, may facilitate the spread of COVID-19 among cohabiting individuals. Methods 302 COVID-19 infected (PCR +) subjects cohabiting with someone else at home were selected for an observational cross-sectional study. An anonymous online questionnaire was developed using Google forms to avoid person-to-person contact. The structured questionnaire consisted of questions covering several areas: sociodemographic data, cross transmission to another person living together, oral hygiene habits during confinement, care and disinfection control behaviours in the dental environment like sharing toothbrush, sharing toothbrush container, sharing toothpaste, placing brush vertically, placing cap with hole for brush, disinfecting brush with bleach, closing toilet lid before flushing. Results Tongue brushing was more used in the group where there was no transmission of the disease to other members (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found for shared toothbrush use (p < 0.05), although shared use was a minority in this group (4. 7%), significant differences were also found for the use of the same container (p < 0.01), shared use of toothpaste (p < 0.01), toothbrush disinfection with bleach (p < 0.01), brush change after PCR + (p < 0.05). The women performed significantly more disinfection with toothbrush bleach (p < 0.01), closing the toilet lid (p < 0.05) and changing the brush after PCR + (p < 0.05). Conclusions The use of inappropriate measures in the dental environment could contribute to the indirect transmission of COVID-19 between cohabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José González-Olmo
- Dentistry Department, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Ruiz-Guillén
- Dentistry Department, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martín Romero-Maroto
- Dentistry Department, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Carrillo-Díaz
- Dentistry Department, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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Maillard JY, Bloomfield SF, Courvalin P, Essack SY, Gandra S, Gerba CP, Rubino JR, Scott EA. Reducing antibiotic prescribing and addressing the global problem of antibiotic resistance by targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life settings: A position paper. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1090-1099. [PMID: 32311380 PMCID: PMC7165117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten global health. Although global and national AMR action plans are in place, infection prevention and control is primarily discussed in the context of health care facilities with home and everyday life settings barely addressed. As seen with the recent global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, everyday hygiene measures can play an important role in containing the threat from infectious microorganisms. This position paper has been developed following a meeting of global experts in London, 2019. It presents evidence that home and community settings are important for infection transmission and also the acquisition and spread of AMR. It also demonstrates that the targeted hygiene approach offers a framework for maximizing protection against colonization and infections, thereby reducing antibiotic prescribing and minimizing selection pressure for the development of antibiotic resistance. If combined with the provision of clean water and sanitation, targeted hygiene can reduce the circulation of resistant bacteria in homes and communities, regardless of a country's Human Development Index (overall social and economic development). Achieving a reduction of AMR strains in health care settings requires a mirrored reduction in the community. The authors call upon national and international policy makers, health agencies, and health care professionals to further recognize the importance of targeted hygiene in the home and everyday life settings for preventing and controlling infection, in a unified quest to tackle AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Yves Maillard
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, Somerset, UK.
| | | | | | - Sabiha Y Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sumanth Gandra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Departments of Soil, Water and Environmental Science and Environmental Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joseph R Rubino
- Research & Development, Home Hygiene, Lysol/Harpic, Reckitt Benckiser LLC., One Philips Parkway, Montvale, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Scott
- College of Natural, Behavioral and Health Sciences, Simmons University, Boston, MA, USA
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Novak Babič M, Gostinčar C, Gunde-Cimerman N. Microorganisms populating the water-related indoor biome. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6443-6462. [PMID: 32533304 PMCID: PMC7347518 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Modernisation of our households created novel opportunities for microbial growth and thus changed the array of microorganisms we come in contact with. While many studies have investigated microorganisms in the air and dust, tap water, another major input of microbial propagules, has received far less attention. The quality of drinking water in developed world is strictly regulated to prevent immediate danger to human health. However, fungi, algae, protists and bacteria of less immediate concern are usually not screened for. These organisms can thus use water as a vector of transmission into the households, especially if they are resistant to various water treatment procedures. Good tolerance of unfavourable abiotic conditions is also important for survival once microbes enter the household. Limitation of water availability, high or low temperatures, application of antimicrobial chemicals and other measures are taken to prevent indoor microbial overgrowth. These conditions, together with a large number of novel chemicals in our homes, shape the diversity and abundance of indoor microbiota through constant selection of the most resilient species, resulting in a substantial overlap in diversity of indoor and natural extreme environments. At least in fungi, extremotolerance has been linked to human pathogenicity, explaining why many species found in novel indoor habitats (such as dishwasher) are notable opportunistic pathogens. As a result, microorganisms that often enter our households with water and are then enriched in novel indoor habitats might have a hitherto underestimated impact on the well-being of the increasingly indoor-bound human population. KEY POINTS: Domestic environment harbours a large diversity of microorganisms. Microbiota of water-related indoor habitats mainly originates from tap water. Bathrooms, kitchens and household appliances select for polyextremotolerant species. Many household-related microorganisms are human opportunistic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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El‐Liethy MA, Hemdan BA, El‐Taweel GE. Prevalence of
E. coli
,
Salmonella
, and
Listeria
spp. as potential pathogens: A comparative study for biofilm of sink drain environment. J Food Saf 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Azab El‐Liethy
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research DepartmentNational Research Centre Giza Egypt
| | - Bahaa A. Hemdan
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research DepartmentNational Research Centre Giza Egypt
| | - Gamila E. El‐Taweel
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research DepartmentNational Research Centre Giza Egypt
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Tun MH, Tun HM, Mahoney JJ, Konya TB, Guttman DS, Becker AB, Mandhane PJ, Turvey SE, Subbarao P, Sears MR, Brook JR, Lou W, Takaro TK, Scott JA, Kozyrskyj AL. Postnatal exposure to household disinfectants, infant gut microbiota and subsequent risk of overweight in children. CMAJ 2019; 190:E1097-E1107. [PMID: 30224442 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging links between household cleaning products and childhood overweight may involve the gut microbiome. We determined mediating effects of infant gut microbiota on associations between home use of cleaning products and future overweight. METHODS From the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort, we tested associations between maternal report of cleaning product use and overweight at age 3, and whether associations were mediated by microbial profiles of fecal samples in 3- to 4-month-old infants. RESULTS Among 757 infants, the abundance of specific gut microbiota was associated with household cleaning with disinfectants and eco-friendly products in a dose-dependent manner. With more frequent use of disinfectants, Lachnospiraceae increasingly became more abundant (highest v. lowest quintile of use: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 3.45) while genus Haemophilus declined in abundance (highest v. lowest quintile of use: AOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.65). Enterobacteriaceae were successively depleted with greater use of eco-friendly products (AOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.74). Lachnospiraceae abundance significantly mediated associations of the top 30th centile of household disinfectant use with higher body mass index (BMI) z score (p = 0.02) and with increased odds of overweight or obesity (p = 0.04) at age 3. Use of eco-friendly products was associated with decreased odds of overweight or obesity independently of Enterobacteriaceae abundance (AOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.86), with no significant mediation (p = 0.2). INTERPRETATION Exposure to household disinfectants was associated with higher BMI at age 3, mediated by gut microbial composition at age 3-4 months. Although child overweight was less common in households that cleaned with eco-friendly products, the lack of mediation by infant gut microbiota suggests another pathway for this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mon H Tun
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Hein M Tun
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Justin J Mahoney
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Theodore B Konya
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - David S Guttman
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Allan B Becker
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Piush J Mandhane
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Stuart E Turvey
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Malcolm R Sears
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Jeffrey R Brook
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Wendy Lou
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Tim K Takaro
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - James A Scott
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
| | - Anita L Kozyrskyj
- School of Public Health (M. Tun, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of Pediatrics (M. Tun, H. Tun, Mahoney, Mandhane, Kozyrskyj), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Konya, Brook, Lou, Scott), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function (Guttman), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (Becker), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Pediatrics (Turvey), Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine (Subbarao), University of Toronto. Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine (Sears), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Faculty of Health Sciences (Takarao), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC; Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD Study Investigators)
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8
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Hemdan BA, El-Liethy MA, ElMahdy MEI, El-Taweel GE. Metagenomics analysis of bacterial structure communities within natural biofilm. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02271. [PMID: 31485510 PMCID: PMC6716113 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial profiles of natural household biofilm have not been widely investigated. The majorities of these bacterial lineages are not cultivable. Thus, this study aims (i) to enumerate some potential bacterial lineages using culture based method within biofilm samples and confirmed using Biolog GEN III and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). (ii) To investigate the bacterial profiles of communities in two biofilm samples using next generation sequencing (NGS). Forty biofilm samples were cultured and colonies of each selected prevailing potential lineages (E. coli, Salmonella entrica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were selected for confirmation. From obtained results, the counts of the tested bacterial lineages in kitchen biofilm samples were greater than those in bathroom samples. Precision of PCR was higher than Biolog GEN III to confirm the bacterial isolates. Using NGS analysis, the results revealed that a total of 110,554 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained for two biofilm samples, representing kitchen and bathroom biofilm samples. The numbers of phyla in the kitchen biofilm sample (35 OTUs) was higher than that in bathroom sample (18 OTUs). A total of 435 genera were observed in the bathroom biofilm sample compared to only 256 in the kitchen sample. Evidences have shown that the empirical gadgets for biofilm investigation are becoming convenient and affordable. Many distinct bacterial lineages observed in biofilm are one of the most significant issues that threaten human health and lead to disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa A Hemdan
- Environmental Microbiology Lab., Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Azab El-Liethy
- Environmental Microbiology Lab., Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - M E I ElMahdy
- Environmental Virology Lab., Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Gamila E El-Taweel
- Environmental Microbiology Lab., Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
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9
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Merino N, Zhang S, Tomita M, Suzuki H. Comparative genomics of Bacteria commonly identified in the built environment. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:92. [PMID: 30691394 PMCID: PMC6350394 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microbial community of the built environment (BE) can impact the lives of people and has been studied for a variety of indoor, outdoor, underground, and extreme locations. Thus far, these microorganisms have mainly been investigated by culture-based methods or amplicon sequencing. However, both methods have limitations, complicating multi-study comparisons and limiting the knowledge gained regarding in-situ microbial lifestyles. A greater understanding of BE microorganisms can be achieved through basic information derived from the complete genome. Here, we investigate the level of diversity and genomic features (genome size, GC content, replication strand skew, and codon usage bias) from complete genomes of bacteria commonly identified in the BE, providing a first step towards understanding these bacterial lifestyles. RESULTS Here, we selected bacterial genera commonly identified in the BE (or "Common BE genomes") and compared them against other prokaryotic genera ("Other genomes"). The "Common BE genomes" were identified in various climates and in indoor, outdoor, underground, or extreme built environments. The diversity level of the 16S rRNA varied greatly between genera. The genome size, GC content and GC skew strength of the "Common BE genomes" were statistically larger than those of the "Other genomes" but were not practically significant. In contrast, the strength of selected codon usage bias (S value) was statistically higher with a large effect size in the "Common BE genomes" compared to the "Other genomes." CONCLUSION Of the four genomic features tested, the S value could play a more important role in understanding the lifestyles of bacteria living in the BE. This parameter could be indicative of bacterial growth rates, gene expression, and other factors, potentially affected by BE growth conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, and nutrients). However, further experimental evidence, species-level BE studies, and classification by BE location is needed to define the relationship between genomic features and the lifestyles of BE bacteria more robustly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Merino
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan.,Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Stauffer Hall of Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shu Zhang
- Global Research Center for Environment and Energy based on Nanomaterials Science, National Institute for Material Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan.,Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0641, USA
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0882, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, 997-0035, Japan
| | - Haruo Suzuki
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0882, Japan. .,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, 997-0035, Japan.
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10
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Phenotyping using semi-automated BIOLOG and conventional PCR for identification of Bacillus isolated from biofilm of sink drainage pipes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chnaes.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Differding MK, Mueller NT. Are household disinfectants microbially mediated obesogens? CMAJ 2018; 190:E1095-E1096. [PMID: 30224441 PMCID: PMC6141251 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.181134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Moira K Differding
- Department of Epidemiology (Differding, Mueller), and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research (Mueller), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Noel T Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology (Differding, Mueller), and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research (Mueller), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md.
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12
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Djalma Chaves R, Pradella F, Turatti MA, Amaro EC, da Silva AR, dos Santos Farias A, Pereira JL, Mousavi Khaneghah A. Evaluation of Staphylococcus spp. in food and kitchen premises of Campinas, Brazil. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Dobbler PCT, Laureano ÁM, Sarzi DS, Cañón ERP, Metz GF, de Freitas AS, Takagaki BM, D Oliveira CB, Pylro VS, Copetti AC, Victoria F, Redmile-Gordon M, Morais DK, Roesch LFW. Differences in bacterial composition between men's and women's restrooms and other common areas within a public building. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2017; 111:551-561. [PMID: 29127623 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Humans distribute a wide range of microorganisms around building interiors, and some of these are potentially pathogenic. Recent research established that humans are the main drivers of the indoor microbiome and up to now significant literature has been produced about this topic. Here we analyzed differences in bacterial composition between men's and women's restrooms and other common areas within the same public building. Bacterial DNA samples were collected from restrooms and halls of a three-floor building from the Federal University of Pampa, RS, Brazil. The bacterial community was characterized by amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing. Throughout all samples, the most abundant phylum was Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Beta diversity metrics showed that the structure of the bacterial communities were different among the areas and floors tested, however, only 6-9% of the variation in bacterial communities was explained by the area and floors sampled. A few microorganisms showed significantly differential abundance between men's and women's restrooms, but in general, the bacterial communities from both places were very similar. Finally, significant differences among the microbial community profile from different floors were reported, suggesting that the type of use and occupant demographic within the building may directly influence bacterial dispersion and establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Caroline Thiago Dobbler
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Macedo Laureano
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Deise Schroder Sarzi
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Ehidy Rocio Peña Cañón
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Geferson Fernando Metz
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Anderson Santos de Freitas
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Midori Takagaki
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Barbosa D Oliveira
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Victor Satler Pylro
- Soil Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Soil Science, Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo - ESALQ/USP, Av Pádua Dias, 11 CP 09, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - André Carlos Copetti
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Filipe Victoria
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil
| | - Marc Redmile-Gordon
- Department of Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Daniel Kumazawa Morais
- Biosystems Informatics and Genomics Group, René Rachou Research Center, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Wurdig Roesch
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, 97300-000, Brazil.
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14
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Bloomfield SF, Carling PC, Exner M. A unified framework for developing effective hygiene procedures for hands, environmental surfaces and laundry in healthcare, domestic, food handling and other settings. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2017; 12:Doc08. [PMID: 28670508 PMCID: PMC5476842 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Hygiene procedures for hands, surfaces and fabrics are central to preventing spread of infection in settings including healthcare, food production, catering, agriculture, public settings, and home and everyday life. They are used in situations including hand hygiene, clinical procedures, decontamination of environmental surfaces, respiratory hygiene, food handling, laundry hygiene, toilet hygiene and so on. Although the principles are common to all, approaches currently used in different settings are inconsistent. A concern is the use of inconsistent terminology which is misleading, especially to people we need to communicate with such as the public or cleaning professionals. This paper reviews the data on current approaches, alongside new insights to developing hygiene procedures. Using this data, we propose a more scientifically-grounded framework for developing procedures that maximize protection against infection, based on consistent principles and terminology, and applicable across all settings. A key feature is use of test models which assess the state of surfaces after treatment rather than product performance alone. This allows procedures that rely on removal of microbes to be compared with those employing chemical or thermal inactivation. This makes it possible to ensure that a consistent "safety target level" is achieved regardless of the type of procedure used, and allows us deliver maximum health benefit whilst ensuring prudent usage of antimicrobial agents, detergents, water and energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally F. Bloomfield
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, Montacute, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Philip C. Carling
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Carney Hospital and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Martin Exner
- Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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15
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Maritz JM, Sullivan SA, Prill RJ, Aksoy E, Scheid P, Carlton JM. Filthy lucre: A metagenomic pilot study of microbes found on circulating currency in New York City. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175527. [PMID: 28384336 PMCID: PMC5383295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paper currency by its very nature is frequently transferred from one person to another and represents an important medium for human contact with—and potential exchange of—microbes. In this pilot study, we swabbed circulating $1 bills obtained from a New York City bank in February (Winter) and June (Summer) 2013 and used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to profile the communities found on their surface. Using basic culture conditions, we also tested whether viable microbes could be recovered from bills. Results Shotgun metagenomics identified eukaryotes as the most abundant sequences on money, followed by bacteria, viruses and archaea. Eukaryotic assemblages were dominated by human, other metazoan and fungal taxa. The currency investigated harbored a diverse microbial population that was dominated by human skin and oral commensals, including Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus. Other taxa detected not associated with humans included Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus, microbes typically associated with dairy production and fermentation. Culturing results indicated that viable microbes can be isolated from paper currency. Conclusions We conducted the first metagenomic characterization of the surface of paper money in the United States, establishing a baseline for microbes found on $1 bills circulating in New York City. Our results suggest that money amalgamates DNA from sources inhabiting the human microbiome, food, and other environmental inputs, some of which can be recovered as viable organisms. These monetary communities may be maintained through contact with human skin, and DNA obtained from money may provide a record of human behavior and health. Understanding these microbial profiles is especially relevant to public health as money could potentially mediate interpersonal transfer of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Maritz
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Steven A. Sullivan
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Prill
- Accelerated Discovery Lab, IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Emre Aksoy
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul Scheid
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Jane M. Carlton
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Borrusso PA, Quinlan JJ. Prevalence of Pathogens and Indicator Organisms in Home Kitchens and Correlation with Unsafe Food Handling Practices and Conditions. J Food Prot 2017; 80:590-597. [PMID: 28271927 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite education efforts, consumers often practice unsafe food handling and storage behaviors. Little is known about how these unsafe practices contribute to contamination of the home kitchen with foodborne pathogens. In addition, only a limited number of studies have examined the role of the kitchen as a reservoir for pathogens. The purpose of this study was to characterize microbial contamination and foodborne pathogens found in home kitchens and determine whether contamination was significantly associated with unsafe or unsanitary conditions observed in the kitchen. Swab samples were collected from food contact and preparation surfaces in homes (n = 100) in Philadelphia, PA. The samples were tested for coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria. Fecal coliforms were found in 44% of homes (most often in samples from kitchen sinks, sponges, and dishcloths), and E. coli was found in 15% of homes (mostly in samples from kitchen sinks). Nearly half (45%) of the homes tested positive for a foodborne pathogen, and 12% had multiple pathogens present in the kitchen. S. aureus was isolated from 39% of homes, most often from countertops and refrigerator door handles. Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes and L. innocua , were present in 15% of homes, most often in samples from refrigerator meat drawers. C. jejuni was isolated from 3% of homes. Contamination with Listeria was significantly associated with higher refrigerator temperatures. The contamination of surfaces with fecal coliforms and S. aureus was significantly associated with a lack of cleaning materials: dish soap and paper or cloth towels in the kitchen, and any type of towel in the nearest bathroom. The contamination of a sponge or dishcloth with either fecal coliforms or S. aureus was predictive of other surfaces in the kitchen having the same contamination, indicating that sponges and dishcloths are both reservoirs and vectors for bacteria in the kitchen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer J Quinlan
- 1 Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences.,2 Department of Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4124-7598 [P.A.B.])
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17
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Lopez GU, Kitajima M, Sherchan SP, Sexton JD, Sifuentes LY, Gerba CP, Reynolds KA. Impact of disinfectant wipes on the risk of Campylobacter jejuni infection during raw chicken preparation in domestic kitchens. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:245-52. [PMID: 25939813 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In the present study, we conducted a quantitative microbial risk assessment forecasting the exposure to Campylobacter jejuni contaminated surfaces during preparation of chicken fillets and how using a disinfectant-wipe intervention to clean a contaminated work area decreases the risk of infection following the preparation of raw chicken fillet in a domestic kitchen. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a Monte Carlo simulation of the risk of transferring Camp. jejuni strain A3249, from various surfaces to hands and subsequently transferring it to the mouth was forecasted. The use of a disinfectant-wipe intervention to disinfect contaminated surface area was also assessed. Several assumptions were used as input parameters in the classical Beta-Poisson model to determine the risk of infection. The disinfectant-wipe intervention reduced the risk of Camp. jejuni infection by 2-3 orders on all fomites. CONCLUSIONS The use of disinfectant wipes after the preparation of raw chicken meat reduces the risk of Camp. jejuni infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This risk assessment shows that the use of disinfectant wipes to decontaminate surface areas after chicken preparation reduces the annual risk of Camp. jejuni infections up to 99·2%, reducing the risk from 2 : 10 to 2 : 1000.
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Affiliation(s)
- G U Lopez
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - M Kitajima
- Center for Environmental Sensing and Modeling, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - S P Sherchan
- Department of Public Health, California State University-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - J D Sexton
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - L Y Sifuentes
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - C P Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - K A Reynolds
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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18
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Extraintestinal Pathogenic and Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli Contamination of 56 Public Restrooms in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:4498-506. [PMID: 25911488 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00638-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
How extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli disseminate through the population is undefined. We studied public restrooms for contamination with E. coli and ExPEC in relation to source and extensively characterized the E. coli isolates. For this, we cultured 1,120 environmental samples from 56 public restrooms in 33 establishments (obtained from 10 cities in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, metropolitan area in 2003) for E. coli and compared ecological data with culture results. Isolates underwent virulence genotyping, phylotyping, clonal typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Overall, 168 samples (15% from 89% of restrooms) fluoresced, indicating presumptive E. coli: 25 samples (2.2% from 32% of restrooms) yielded E. coli isolates, and 10 samples (0.9% from 16% of restrooms) contained ExPEC. Restroom category and cleanliness level significantly predicted only fluorescence, gender predicted fluorescence and E. coli, and feces-like material and toilet-associated sites predicted all three endpoints. Of the 25 E. coli isolates, 7 (28%) were from phylogenetic group B2(virulence-associated), and 8 (32%) were ExPEC. ExPEC isolates more commonly represented group B2 (50% versus 18%) and had significantly higher virulence gene scores than non-ExPEC isolates. Six isolates (24%) exhibited ≥3-class antibiotic resistance, 10 (40%) represented classic human-associated sequence types, and one closely resembled reference human clinical isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Thus, E. coli, ExPEC, and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli sporadically contaminate public restrooms, in ways corresponding with restroom characteristics and within-restroom sites. Such restroom-source E. coli strains likely reflect human fecal contamination, may pose a health threat, and may contribute to population-wide dissemination of such strains.
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Acute gastrointestinal illness in two Inuit communities: burden of illness in Rigolet and Iqaluit, Canada. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:3048-63. [PMID: 25697261 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Food- and waterborne disease is thought to be high in some Canadian Indigenous communities; however, the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) is not well understood due to limited availability and quality of surveillance data. This study estimated the burden of community-level self-reported AGI in the Inuit communities of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, and Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Cross-sectional retrospective surveys captured information on AGI and potential environmental risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression models identified potential AGI risk factors. The annual incidence of AGI ranged from 2·9-3·9 cases/person per year in Rigolet and Iqaluit. In Rigolet, increased spending on obtaining country foods, a homeless person in the house, not visiting a cabin recently, exposure to puppies, and alternative sources of drinking water were associated with increased odds of AGI. In Iqaluit, eating country fish often, exposure to cats, employment status of the person responsible for food preparation, not washing the countertop with soap after preparing meat, a homeless person in the house, and overcrowding were associated with increased odds of AGI. The results highlight the need for systematic data collection to better understand and support previously anecdotal indications of high AGI incidence, as well as insights into unique AGI environmental risk factors in Indigenous populations.
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20
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Stellato G, La Storia A, Cirillo T, Ercolini D. Bacterial biogeographical patterns in a cooking center for hospital foodservice. Int J Food Microbiol 2015; 193:99-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are among the most commonly used disinfectants. There has been concern that their widespread use will lead to the development of resistant organisms, and it has been suggested that limits should be place on their use. While increases in tolerance to QACs have been observed, there is no clear evidence to support the development of resistance to QACs. Since efflux pumps are believe to account for at least some of the increased tolerance found in bacteria, there has been concern that this will enhance the resistance of bacteria to certain antibiotics. QACs are membrane-active agents interacting with the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and lipids of viruses. The wide variety of chemical structures possible has seen an evolution in their effectiveness and expansion of applications over the last century, including non-lipid-containing viruses (i.e., noroviruses). Selection of formulations and methods of application have been shown to affect the efficacy of QACs. While numerous laboratory studies on the efficacy of QACs are available, relatively few studies have been conducted to assess their efficacy in practice. Better standardized tests for assessing and defining the differences between increases in tolerance versus resistance are needed. The ecological dynamics of microbial communities where QACs are a main line of defense against exposure to pathogens need to be better understood in terms of sublethal doses and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. ,
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23
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Evaluation of a disinfectant wipe intervention on fomite-to-finger microbial transfer. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:3113-8. [PMID: 24610856 DOI: 10.1128/aem.04235-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inanimate surfaces, or fomites, can serve as routes of transmission of enteric and respiratory pathogens. No previous studies have evaluated the impact of surface disinfection on the level of pathogen transfer from fomites to fingers. Thus, the present study investigated the change in microbial transfer from contaminated fomites to fingers following disinfecting wipe use. Escherichia coli (10(8) to 10(9) CFU/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (10(9) CFU/ml), Bacillus thuringiensis spores (10(7) to 10(8) CFU/ml), and poliovirus 1 (10(8) PFU/ml) were seeded on ceramic tile, laminate, and granite in 10-μl drops and allowed to dry for 30 min at a relative humidity of 15 to 32%. The seeded fomites were treated with a disinfectant wipe and allowed to dry for an additional 10 min. Fomite-to-finger transfer trials were conducted to measure concentrations of transferred microorganisms on the fingers after the disinfectant wipe intervention. The mean log10 reduction of the test microorganisms on fomites by the disinfectant wipe treatment varied from 1.9 to 5.0, depending on the microorganism and the fomite. Microbial transfer from disinfectant-wipe-treated fomites was lower (up to <0.1% on average) than from nontreated surfaces (up to 36.3% on average, reported in our previous study) for all types of microorganisms and fomites. This is the first study quantifying microbial transfer from contaminated fomites to fingers after the use of disinfectant wipe intervention. The data generated in the present study can be used in quantitative microbial risk assessment models to predict the effect of disinfectant wipes in reducing microbial exposure.
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24
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Taché J, Carpentier B. Hygiene in the home kitchen: Changes in behaviour and impact of key microbiological hazard control measures. Food Control 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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Borrusso P, Quinlan JJ. Development and Piloting of a Food Safety Audit Tool for the Domestic Environment. Foods 2013; 2:572-584. [PMID: 28239139 PMCID: PMC5302284 DOI: 10.3390/foods2040572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that consumers often mishandle food in the home based on survey and observation studies. There is a need for a standardized tool for researchers to objectively evaluate the prevalence and identify the nature of food safety risks in the domestic environment. An audit tool was developed to measure compliance with recommended sanitation, refrigeration and food storage conditions in the domestic kitchen. The tool was piloted by four researchers who independently completed the inspection in 22 homes. Audit tool questions were evaluated for reliability using the κ statistic. Questions that were not sufficiently reliable (κ < 0.5) or did not provide direct evidence of risk were revised or eliminated from the final tool. Piloting the audit tool found good reliability among 18 questions, 6 questions were revised and 28 eliminated, resulting in a final 24 question tool. The audit tool was able to identify potential food safety risks, including evidence of pest infestation (27%), incorrect refrigeration temperature (73%), and lack of hot water (>43 °C, 32%). The audit tool developed here provides an objective measure for researchers to observe and record the most prevalent food safety risks in consumer's kitchens and potentially compare risks among consumers of different demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Borrusso
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Drexel University, 1505 Race St., Mail Stop 1030, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Jennifer J Quinlan
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Drexel University, 1505 Race St., Mail Stop 1030, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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26
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Transfer efficiency of bacteria and viruses from porous and nonporous fomites to fingers under different relative humidity conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:5728-34. [PMID: 23851098 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01030-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fomites can serve as routes of transmission for both enteric and respiratory pathogens. The present study examined the effect of low and high relative humidity on fomite-to-finger transfer efficiency of five model organisms from several common inanimate surfaces (fomites). Nine fomites representing porous and nonporous surfaces of different compositions were studied. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus thuringiensis, MS2 coliphage, and poliovirus 1 were placed on fomites in 10-μl drops and allowed to dry for 30 min under low (15% to 32%) or high (40% to 65%) relative humidity. Fomite-to-finger transfers were performed using 1.0 kg/cm(2) of pressure for 10 s. Transfer efficiencies were greater under high relative humidity for both porous and nonporous surfaces. Most organisms on average had greater transfer efficiencies under high relative humidity than under low relative humidity. Nonporous surfaces had a greater transfer efficiency (up to 57%) than porous surfaces (<6.8%) under low relative humidity, as well as under high relative humidity (nonporous, up to 79.5%; porous, <13.4%). Transfer efficiency also varied with fomite material and organism type. The data generated can be used in quantitative microbial risk assessment models to assess the risk of infection from fomite-transmitted human pathogens and the relative levels of exposure to different types of fomites and microorganisms.
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27
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Oxford J, Berezin EN, Courvalin P, Dwyer D, Exner M, Jana LA, Kaku M, Lee C, Letlape K, Low DE, Madani TA, Rubino JR, Saini N, Schoub BD, Signorelli C, Tierno PM, Zhong X. An international survey of bacterial contamination and householders’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of hygiene. J Infect Prev 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1757177413483346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This prospective, multinational study was conducted in 20 homes in eight cities or regions in different countries to determine the level of microbiological contamination of common surfaces and items, and investigate the attitudes and perceptions of householders towards cleaning and hygiene. Environmental Health Practitioners took eight standardised swabs in each home. The swabs were cultured for a range of micro-organisms. Householders ( n=160) were also interviewed regarding their cleaning habits and perceptions of hygiene. Overall, 28% of surfaces or items tested in the study had ‘moderate bacterial growth’ or ‘heavy bacterial growth’. Kitchen cloths were the most contaminated items, with 86% having moderate bacterial growth or heavy bacterial growth; kitchen taps were the second most contaminated items, with 52% having moderate bacterial growth or heavy bacterial growth. High proportions (>50%) of kitchen cloths contained coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. The visual appearance of surfaces and items frequently (30%) did not correspond to their level of contamination with micro-organisms. The majority of householders (65%) cleaned to make the house ‘look clean, smell nice and remove germs’; however, householders’ perceptions of the cleanliness of their homes frequently did not correspond to microbiological reality. In conclusion, further research and education are needed regarding hygiene in the home.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Oxford
- Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Eitan N Berezin
- Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas, Santa Casa, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases Society, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Dominic Dwyer
- CIDMLS, ICPMR Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Martin Exner
- Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Mitsuo Kaku
- Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Kgosi Letlape
- Africa Medical Association, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Tshepang Trust, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Donald E. Low
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Tariq Ahmed Madani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Barry D. Schoub
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- National Board of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Xuhui Zhong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Dunn RR, Fierer N, Henley JB, Leff JW, Menninger HL. Home life: factors structuring the bacterial diversity found within and between homes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64133. [PMID: 23717552 PMCID: PMC3661444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of our time is spent indoors where we are exposed to a wide array of different microorganisms living on surfaces and in the air of our homes. Despite their ubiquity and abundance, we have a limited understanding of the microbial diversity found within homes and how the composition and diversity of microbial communities change across different locations within the home. Here we examined the diversity of bacterial communities found in nine distinct locations within each of forty homes in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, USA, using high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We found that each of the sampled locations harbored bacterial communities that were distinct from one another with surfaces that are regularly cleaned typically harboring lower levels of diversity than surfaces that are cleaned infrequently. These location-specific differences in bacterial communities could be directly related to usage patterns and differences in the likely sources of bacteria dispersed onto these locations. Finally, we examined whether the variability across homes in bacterial diversity could be attributed to outdoor environmental factors, indoor habitat structure, or the occupants of the home. We found that the presence of dogs had a significant effect on bacterial community composition in multiple locations within homes as the homes occupied by dogs harbored more diverse communities and higher relative abundances of dog-associated bacterial taxa. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the types of bacteria deposited on surfaces outside the home and those found inside the home, highlighting that microbes from outside the home can have a direct effect on the microbial communities living on surfaces within our homes. Together this work provides the first comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities found in the home and the factors that shape the structure of these communities both within and between homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Dunn
- Department of Biology and Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America.
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29
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Flores GE, Bates ST, Caporaso JG, Lauber CL, Leff JW, Knight R, Fierer N. Diversity, distribution and sources of bacteria in residential kitchens. Environ Microbiol 2012; 15:588-96. [PMID: 23171378 PMCID: PMC5100818 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria readily colonize kitchen surfaces, and the exchange of microbes between humans and the kitchen environment can impact human health. However, we have a limited understanding of the overall diversity of these communities, how they differ across surfaces and sources of bacteria to kitchen surfaces. Here we used high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to explore biogeographical patterns of bacteria across > 80 surfaces within the kitchens of each of four households. In total, 34 bacterial and two archaeal phyla were identified, with most sequences belonging to the Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Genera known to contain common food-borne pathogens were low in abundance but broadly distributed throughout the kitchens, with different taxa exhibiting distinct distribution patterns. The most diverse communities were associated with infrequently cleaned surfaces such as fans above stoves, refrigerator/freezer door seals and floors. In contrast, the least diverse communities were observed in and around sinks, which were dominated by biofilm-forming Gram-negative lineages. Community composition was influenced by conditions on individual surfaces, usage patterns and dispersal from source environments. Human skin was the primary source of bacteria across all kitchen surfaces, with contributions from food and faucet water dominating in a few specific locations. This study demonstrates that diverse bacterial communities are widely distributed in residential kitchens and that the composition of these communities is often predictable. These results also illustrate the ease with which human- and food-associated bacteria can be transferred in residential settings to kitchen surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto E Flores
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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30
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Davis MF, Iverson SA, Baron P, Vasse A, Silbergeld EK, Lautenbach E, Morris DO. Household transmission of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other staphylococci. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012; 12:703-16. [PMID: 22917102 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the role of pets in household transmission of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been examined previously, only minor attention has been given to the role of the abiotic household environment independent of, or in combination with, colonisation of pets and human beings to maintain transmission cycles of MRSA within the household. This report reviews published work about household transmission of S aureus and other staphylococci and describes contamination of household environmental surfaces and colonisation of pets and people. Household microbial communities might have a role in transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes and could be reservoirs for recolonisation of people, although additional research is needed regarding strategies for decontamination of household environments. Household-based interventions should be developed to control recurrent S aureus infections in the community, and coordination between medical and veterinary providers could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan F Davis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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31
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Flores GE, Bates ST, Knights D, Lauber CL, Stombaugh J, Knight R, Fierer N. Microbial biogeography of public restroom surfaces. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28132. [PMID: 22132229 PMCID: PMC3223236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We spend the majority of our lives indoors where we are constantly exposed to bacteria residing on surfaces. However, the diversity of these surface-associated communities is largely unknown. We explored the biogeographical patterns exhibited by bacteria across ten surfaces within each of twelve public restrooms. Using high-throughput barcoded pyrosequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene, we identified 19 bacterial phyla across all surfaces. Most sequences belonged to four phyla: Actinobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. The communities clustered into three general categories: those found on surfaces associated with toilets, those on the restroom floor, and those found on surfaces routinely touched with hands. On toilet surfaces, gut-associated taxa were more prevalent, suggesting fecal contamination of these surfaces. Floor surfaces were the most diverse of all communities and contained several taxa commonly found in soils. Skin-associated bacteria, especially the Propionibacteriaceae, dominated surfaces routinely touched with our hands. Certain taxa were more common in female than in male restrooms as vagina-associated Lactobacillaceae were widely distributed in female restrooms, likely from urine contamination. Use of the SourceTracker algorithm confirmed many of our taxonomic observations as human skin was the primary source of bacteria on restroom surfaces. Overall, these results demonstrate that restroom surfaces host relatively diverse microbial communities dominated by human-associated bacteria with clear linkages between communities on or in different body sites and those communities found on restroom surfaces. More generally, this work is relevant to the public health field as we show that human-associated microbes are commonly found on restroom surfaces suggesting that bacterial pathogens could readily be transmitted between individuals by the touching of surfaces. Furthermore, we demonstrate that we can use high-throughput analyses of bacterial communities to determine sources of bacteria on indoor surfaces, an approach which could be used to track pathogen transmission and test the efficacy of hygiene practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto E. Flores
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Scott T. Bates
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Dan Knights
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Christian L. Lauber
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jesse Stombaugh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Noah Fierer
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
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