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Adu GA, Amegah KE, Addo HO, Andoh T, Duvor F, Antwi G, Peprah NY, Kenu E, Bekoe FA, Malm KL. Reduction in diarrhea cases following implementation of COVID-19 hand hygiene interventions in Ghana: A causal impact analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309202. [PMID: 39208316 PMCID: PMC11361678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human hand has constant contact with the environment, hence requires regular hand hygiene. Hand hygiene has gained recognition because of the COVID-19 pandemic and is a largely effective, affordable preventive measure against infectious diseases. This study used both national and sub-national analyses to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 handwashing guidelines on instances of diarrhea in Ghana. METHODS Data on diarrhea cases spanning February 2018 and March 2022 were retrieved from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS 2) using a data extraction guide. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The difference in diarrhea cases between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods was measured using a two-sample t-test across Ghana's 16 administrative areas. Causal Impact package in R statistical software was employed to determine the impact of the introduction of COVID-19 hand hygiene protocols on diarrheal disease. RESULTS A total of 5,645,533 diarrheal cases reported between February 2018 and March 2022 through the routine MIS (DHIMS2) were examined. Fifty-three percent of the cases occurred before the introduction of the hand hygiene protocol. Descriptive statistics indicated a statistically significant decrease in average diarrheal cases during the hand hygiene implementation era (13,463 cases reduction, p<0.001). Sub-national analyses revealed significant reductions in various regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Volta (p<0.05). Causal impact analysis confirmed 11.0% nationwide reduction in diarrheal cases attributed to the COVID-19 hand hygiene protocols (p<0.001). CONCLUSION This study underscores the effectiveness of COVID-19 hand hygiene protocols in reducing diarrheal morbidity in Ghana, with varying regional impacts. These findings advocate for the sustenance of investments and commitments made at the COVID hand hygiene protocols, particularly in this era where the pandemic appears controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kingsley E. Amegah
- Department of Data Science and Economic Policy, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Henry Ofosu Addo
- Department of Industrial and Health Sciences, Takoradi Technical University, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
| | - Theresa Andoh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ferguson Duvor
- Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gladys Antwi
- Epidemiology Department, GFELTP, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Ernest Kenu
- Epidemiology Department, GFELTP, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Keziah L. Malm
- Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
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2
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Hervé RC, Bryant C, Sutton L, Cox C, Gião MS, Keevil CW, Wilks SA. Impact of different hand-drying methods on surrounding environment: aerosolization of virus and bacteria, and transfer to surfaces. J Hosp Infect 2024; 147:197-205. [PMID: 38521417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, hand drying has been highlighted as a key step in appropriate hand hygiene, as moisture on hands can increase the transfer of micro-organisms from hands to surfaces and vice versa. AIM To understand bacterial and viral aerosolization following hand drying, and study the transfer of micro-organisms from hands to surfaces after drying using different methods. METHODS Groups of five volunteers had their hands pre-washed with soap, rinsed and dried, then inoculated with a concentrated mixture of Pseudomonas fluorescens and MS2 bacteriophage. Volunteers entered an empty washroom, one at a time, and rinsed their hands with water or washed their hands with soap prior to drying with a jet dryer or paper towels. Each volunteer applied one hand successively to various surfaces, while their other hand was sampled using the glove juice method. Both residual bacteria and viruses were quantified from the washroom air, surface swabs and hand samples. FINDINGS P. fluorescens and MS2 bacteriophages were rarely aerosolized while drying hands for any of the drying methods studied. Results also showed limited, and similar, transfer of both micro-organisms studied on to surfaces for all drying methods. CONCLUSION The use of jet dryers or paper towels produces low levels of aerosolization when drying hands in a washroom. Similarly, all drying methods result in low transfer to surfaces. While the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic raised concerns regarding public washrooms, this study shows that all methods tested are hygienic solutions for dry washed hands.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Hervé
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - C Bryant
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - L Sutton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - C Cox
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M S Gião
- Dyson Technology Ltd, Malmesbury, UK
| | - C W Keevil
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - S A Wilks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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3
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Pageau G, Levasseur M, Paniconi T, Jubinville E, Goulet-Beaulieu V, Boivin G, Jean J. The possibility of spreading herpes simplex virus type 1 via food handling and sharing. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad224. [PMID: 37827542 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is an enveloped virus that causes recurrent and incurable diseases in 67% of the world population. Although it is not listed as a foodborne virus, some studies have shown that it can be recovered from surfaces as well as food. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated its persistence at -20°C, 4°C, 20°C, or 37°C for up to 7 days on stainless steel, aluminum, glass, polypropylene, cheddar cheese, sliced almond, and apple skin and in cola soft drink, orange juice, coffee, and milk, as well as its transferability from stainless steel to dry or moistened nitrile or latex gloves over time at typical ambient temperatures. Based on the plaque assay on Vero cells, HSV-1 persisted at least 24 h on all surfaces and at least 1 h on food matrices but was inactivated quickly in cola soft drink. Temperature and pH affected HSV-1 infectivity. Transfer of HSV-1 at a contact pressure of 1 kg cm2-1 for 10 s occurred only on latex, especially moistened. CONCLUSIONS Our data on the persistence of HSV-1 on food-related surfaces suggest that some risk may be associated with sharing foods with infected carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Pageau
- Department of Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marianne Levasseur
- Department of Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Teresa Paniconi
- Department of Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Eric Jubinville
- Department of Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Valérie Goulet-Beaulieu
- Department of Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Guy Boivin
- Research Center in Infectious Diseases of the CHUQ-CHUL and Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Julie Jean
- Department of Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
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4
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Willmott T, Campbell PM, Griffiths CEM, O’Connor C, Bell M, Watson REB, McBain AJ, Langton AK. Behaviour and sun exposure in holidaymakers alters skin microbiota composition and diversity. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1217635. [PMID: 37614517 PMCID: PMC10442491 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1217635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The skin microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining epidermal homeostasis. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other environmental challenges can impact the skin microbiota through direct and indirect mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sun exposure on the skin microbiota and its relationship with individual skin phototypes. Methods: Healthy volunteers (n = 21 [4M, 17 F], mean age 33.2 years) holidayed in a sunny destination for a minimum of 7 days with swabs taken pre-holiday and up to 84 days post-holiday. Participant group was categorised by individual typology angle (ITA) classification and the composition of the skin microbiota was examined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: In the entire cohort and at all time points, the major bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. There was a significant change in microbial beta diversity at day 28 post-holiday, compared to baseline, for all participants. However, when participants were segregated into three cohorts dependent on the degree of skin tanning response between baseline (pre-holiday) and immediately one-day post-holiday, there was a reduction in Proteobacteria in the sun-seeking participants 1 day after the holiday, which recovered over time. Discussion: These findings suggest that sun exposure can affect the diversity and composition of the skin microbiota, which may have downstream effects on skin health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Willmott
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Campbell
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher E. M. Griffiths
- Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clare O’Connor
- No7 Beauty Company, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Bell
- No7 Beauty Company, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel E. B. Watson
- Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- A*STAR Skin Research Laboratory (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrew J. McBain
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail K. Langton
- Centre for Dermatology Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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5
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Mustari AP, Agarwal I, Das A, Vinay K. Role of Cutaneous Microbiome in Dermatology. Indian J Dermatol 2023; 68:303-312. [PMID: 37529462 PMCID: PMC10389128 DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_560_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The cutaneous microflora consists of various microorganisms which interact with host epithelial cells and innate and acquired immunity. This microbial milieu and its interaction with host cells prevent the growth of pathogenic organisms and educate host immunity to fight against harmful microorganisms. The microbial composition depends on various intrinsic and extrinsic factors and an imbalance in the cutaneous microflora predisposes the individual to both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Even though probiotics have been extensively studied in various diseases, their efficacy and safety profile are still unclear. A better understanding of the cutaneous microflora is required to develop newer therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe the commensal microbiome and its variation, the current role of the cutaneous microbiome in the pathogenesis of various dermatological diseases, and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash P. Mustari
- From the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ishan Agarwal
- Department of Dermatology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, India
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Keshavamurthy Vinay
- From the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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6
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ÓhAiseadha C, Quinn GA, Connolly R, Wilson A, Connolly M, Soon W, Hynds P. Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) for Population Health and Health Inequalities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5223. [PMID: 37047846 PMCID: PMC10094123 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, governments around the world have adopted an array of measures intended to control the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, using both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). NPIs are public health interventions that do not rely on vaccines or medicines and include policies such as lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, school closures, and travel restrictions. Although the intention was to slow viral transmission, emerging research indicates that these NPIs have also had unintended consequences for other aspects of public health. Hence, we conducted a narrative review of studies investigating these unintended consequences of NPIs, with a particular emphasis on mental health and on lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD): physical activity (PA), overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking. We reviewed the scientific literature using combinations of search terms such as 'COVID-19', 'pandemic', 'lockdowns', 'mental health', 'physical activity', and 'obesity'. NPIs were found to have considerable adverse consequences for mental health, physical activity, and overweight and obesity. The impacts on alcohol and tobacco consumption varied greatly within and between studies. The variability in consequences for different groups implies increased health inequalities by age, sex/gender, socioeconomic status, pre-existing lifestyle, and place of residence. In conclusion, a proper assessment of the use of NPIs in attempts to control the spread of the pandemic should be weighed against the potential adverse impacts on other aspects of public health. Our findings should also be of relevance for future pandemic preparedness and pandemic response teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coilín ÓhAiseadha
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive, D08 W2A8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gerry A. Quinn
- Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Ronan Connolly
- Independent Scientist, D08 Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
| | - Awwad Wilson
- National Drug Treatment Centre, Health Service Executive, D02 NY26 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Connolly
- Independent Scientist, D08 Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
| | - Willie Soon
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
- Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (ELKH EPSS), H-9400 Sopron, Hungary
| | - Paul Hynds
- SpatioTemporal Environmental Epidemiology Research (STEER) Group, Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience, University College Dublin, D02 FX65 Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Mhuireach GÁ, Fahimipour AK, Vandegrift R, Muscarella ME, Hickey R, Bateman AC, Van Den Wymelenberg KG, Bohannan BJM. Temporary establishment of bacteria from indoor plant leaves and soil on human skin. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:61. [PMID: 36572917 PMCID: PMC9793532 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plants are found in a large percentage of indoor environments, yet the potential for bacteria associated with indoor plant leaves and soil to colonize human skin remains unclear. We report results of experiments in a controlled climate chamber to characterize bacterial communities inhabiting the substrates and leaves of five indoor plant species, and quantify microbial transfer dynamics and residence times on human skin following simulated touch contact events. Controlled bacterial propagule transfer events with soil and leaf donors were applied to the arms of human occupants and repeatedly measured over a 24-h period using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Substrate samples had greater biomass and alpha diversity compared to leaves and baseline skin bacterial communities, as well as dissimilar taxonomic compositions. Despite these differences in donor community diversity and biomass, we observed repeatable patterns in the dynamics of transfer events. Recipient human skin bacterial communities increased in alpha diversity and became more similar to donor communities, an effect which, for soil contact only, persisted for at least 24 h. Washing with soap and water effectively returned communities to their pre-perturbed state, although some abundant soil taxa resisted removal through washing. CONCLUSIONS This study represents an initial characterization of bacterial relationships between humans and indoor plants, which represent a potentially valuable element of biodiversity in the built environment. Although environmental microbiota are unlikely to permanently colonize skin following a single contact event, repeated or continuous exposures to indoor biodiversity may be increasingly relevant for the functioning and diversity of the human microbiome as urbanization continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwynne Á Mhuireach
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | - Ashkaan K Fahimipour
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Roo Vandegrift
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture, APHIS, PPQ, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mario E Muscarella
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Roxana Hickey
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Ashley C Bateman
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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8
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Bruno A, Agostinetto G, Fumagalli S, Ghisleni G, Sandionigi A. It’s a Long Way to the Tap: Microbiome and DNA-Based Omics at the Core of Drinking Water Quality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137940. [PMID: 35805598 PMCID: PMC9266242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Microbial communities interact with us and affect our health in ways that are only beginning to be understood. Microorganisms have been detected in every ecosystem on Earth, as well as in any built environment that has been investigated. Drinking water sources, drinking water treatment plants and distribution systems provide peculiar microbial ecological niches, dismantling the belief of the “biological simplicity” of drinking water. Nevertheless, drinking water microbiomes are understudied compared to other microbiomes. Recent DNA sequencing and meta-omics advancements allow a deeper understanding of drinking water microbiota. Thus, moving beyond the limits of day-to-day testing for specific pathogenic microbes, new approaches aim at predicting microbiome changes driven by disturbances at the macro-scale and overtime. This will foster an effective and proactive management of water sources, improving the drinking water supply system and the monitoring activities to lower public health risk. Here, we want to give a new angle on drinking water microbiome research. Starting from a selection of 231 scientific publications on this topic, we emphasize the value of biodiversity in drinking water ecosystems and how it can be related with industrialization. We then discuss how microbiome research can support sustainable drinking water management, encouraging collaborations across sectors and involving the society through responsible research and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Bruno
- Biotechnology and Biosciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (S.F.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Agostinetto
- Biotechnology and Biosciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (S.F.); (G.G.)
| | - Sara Fumagalli
- Biotechnology and Biosciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (S.F.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Ghisleni
- Biotechnology and Biosciences Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.A.); (S.F.); (G.G.)
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, 75013 Paris, France
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9
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Humphrey T, Daniell H, Chen AF, Hollenbeck B, Talmo C, Fang CJ, Smith EL, Niu R, Melnic CM, Hosseinzadeh S, Bedair HS. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rates of Ninety-Day Peri-Prosthetic Joint and Surgical Site Infections after Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2022; 23:458-464. [PMID: 35594331 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The impact of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the rate of primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and superficial surgical site infections (SSI) is currently unknown. The purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate any changes in the rates of 90-day PJI or 30-day SSI, including trends in microbiology of the infections, during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the three years prior. Patients and Methods: An Institutional Review Board-approved, multicenter, retrospective study was conducted with five participating academic institutions across two healthcare systems in the northeastern United States. Primary TJA patients from the years 2017-2019 were grouped as a pre-COVID-19 pandemic cohort and patients from the year 2020 were grouped as a COVID-19 pandemic cohort. Differences in patient demographics, PJI, SSI, and microbiology between the two cohorts were assessed. Results: A total of 14,844 TJAs in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic cohort and 5,453 TJAs in the COVID-19 pandemic cohort were evaluated. There were no substantial differences of the combined 90-day PJI and 30-day superficial SSI rates between the pre-COVID-19 pandemic cohort (0.35%) compared with the COVID-19 pandemic cohort (0.26%; p = 0.303). Conclusions: This study did not find any change in the rates of 90-day PJI or 30-day superficial SSI in patients undergoing primary TJA between a pre-COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic cohort. Larger national database studies may identify small but substantial differences in 90-day PJI and 30-day superficial SSI rates between these two time periods. Our data may support continued efforts to maintain high compliance with hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and limited hospital visitation whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Humphrey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Kaplan Joint Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hayley Daniell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonia F Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian Hollenbeck
- Department of Infectious Disease, New England Baptist Hospital, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carl Talmo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New England Baptist Hospital, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher J Fang
- Department of Infectious Disease, New England Baptist Hospital, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric L Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New England Baptist Hospital, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruijia Niu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New England Baptist Hospital, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher M Melnic
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Kaplan Joint Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shayan Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hany S Bedair
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Kaplan Joint Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Gião MS, Vardoulakis S. Aerosols and Bacteria From Hand Washing and Drying in Indoor Air. Front Public Health 2022; 10:804825. [PMID: 35198523 PMCID: PMC8858938 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.804825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective hand drying is an important part of hand hygiene that can reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission through cross-contamination of surfaces by wet hands. However, hand drying methods may also cause aerosolisation of pathogenic microorganisms if they are present in washed hands. This study investigated experimentally the impact of washing hands and different hand drying methods on the concentration and size distribution of aerosols and bacteria in indoor air. In this experiment, aerosol and bacteria concentrations were measured in indoor air while volunteers rinsed their hands with water or washed with soap and water prior to drying them with paper towels or jet air dryers. Results showed that the concentration of aerosols and bacteria in air increased with people walking in the room and washing hands, with a further increase during the hand drying process. The concentration of aerosols decreased with particle size, with maximum concentrations after drying hands of 6.63 × 106 ± 6.49 × 105 and 2.28 × 104 ± 9.72 × 103 particles m−3 for sizes 0.3 to <0.5 and ≥5.0 μm, respectively. The concentration of bacteria in indoor air after drying hands increased to a maximum of 3.81 × 102 ± 1.48 × 102 CFU m−3 (jet air dryers) and 4.50 × 102 ± 4.35 × 101 CFU m−3 (paper towels). This study indicates that the increase of aerosols and bacteria in air after drying hands with jet air dryers or paper towels are comparable and not statistically different from concentrations associated with walking and washing hands in the same environment. This work can support the development of hand hygiene practices and guidelines for public washrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- *Correspondence: Sotiris Vardoulakis
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11
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Valles-Colomer M, Bacigalupe R, Vieira-Silva S, Suzuki S, Darzi Y, Tito RY, Yamada T, Segata N, Raes J, Falony G. Variation and transmission of the human gut microbiota across multiple familial generations. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:87-96. [PMID: 34969979 PMCID: PMC8727295 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-01021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the composition and functional potential of the human gut microbiota evolve over the lifespan, kinship has been identified as a key covariate of microbial community diversification. However, to date, sharing of microbiota features within families has mostly been assessed between parents and their direct offspring. Here we investigate the potential transmission and persistence of familial microbiome patterns and microbial genotypes in a family cohort (n = 102) spanning 3 to 5 generations over the same female bloodline. We observe microbiome community composition associated with kinship, with seven low abundant genera displaying familial distribution patterns. While kinship and current cohabitation emerge as closely entangled variables, our explorative analyses of microbial genotype distribution and transmission estimates point at the latter as a key covariate of strain dissemination. Highest potential transmission rates are estimated between sisters and mother-daughter pairs, decreasing with increasing daughter's age and being higher among cohabiting pairs than those living apart. Although rare, we detect potential transmission events spanning three and four generations, primarily involving species of the genera Alistipes and Bacteroides. Overall, while our analyses confirm the existence of family-bound microbiome community profiles, transmission or co-acquisition of bacterial strains appears to be strongly linked to cohabitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Valles-Colomer
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
- Department for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Bacigalupe
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Vieira-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shinya Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youssef Darzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raul Y Tito
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Takuji Yamada
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nicola Segata
- European Institute of Oncology Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
- Department for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Jeroen Raes
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Gwen Falony
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Gomes F, Furtado GE, Henriques M, Sousa LB, Santos-Costa P, Bernardes R, Apóstolo J, Parreira P, Salgueiro-Oliveira A. The skin microbiome of infected pressure ulcers: A review and implications for health professionals. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13688. [PMID: 34601718 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pressure ulcers (PUs) are injuries resulting from ischaemia caused by prolonged compression or shear forces on the skin, adjacent tissues and bones. Advanced stages of PUs are associated with infectious complications and constitute a major clinical challenge, with high social and economic impacts in health care. GOALS This study aims to identify and describe the relationship between PU risk factors, stages and anatomical locations, and the relevance of microbial cohabitation and biofilm growth. METHODS The narrative review method to advocating a critical and objective analysis of the current knowledge on the topic was performed. Indexed databases and direct consultation to specialized and high-impact journals on the subject were used to extract relevant information, guided by co-authors. The Medical Subject Headings of pressure ulcer (or injury), biofilms, infection and other analogues terms were used. RESULTS Development of PUs and consequent infection depends on several direct and indirect risk factors, including cutaneous/PU microbiome, microclimate and behavioural factors. Infected PUs are polymicrobial and characterized by biofilm-associated infection, phenotypic hypervariability of species and inherent resistance to antimicrobials. The different stages and anatomical locations also play an important role in their colonization. The prevention and monitoring of PUs remain crucial for avoiding the emergence of systemic infections and reducing health care-associated costs, improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the mortality-associated infected PUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gomes
- LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI), Guarda, Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, CEB, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Liliana Baptista Sousa
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Santos-Costa
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rafael Bernardes
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Apóstolo
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Parreira
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela Salgueiro-Oliveira
- The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
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13
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Baquero F, Saralegui C, Marcos-Mencía D, Ballestero L, Vañó-Galván S, Moreno-Arrones ÓM, Del Campo R. Epidermis as a Platform for Bacterial Transmission. Front Immunol 2021; 12:774018. [PMID: 34925344 PMCID: PMC8671829 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.774018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermis constitutes a continuous external layer covering the body, offering protection against bacteria, the most abundant living organisms that come into contact with this barrier. The epidermis is heavily colonized by commensal bacterial organisms that help protect against pathogenic bacteria. The highly regulated and dynamic interaction between the epidermis and commensals involves the host’s production of nutritional factors promoting bacterial growth together to chemical and immunological bacterial inhibitors. Signal trafficking ensures the system’s homeostasis; conditions that favor colonization by pathogens frequently foster commensal growth, thereby increasing the bacterial population size and inducing the skin’s antibacterial response, eliminating the pathogens and re-establishing the normal density of commensals. The microecological conditions of the epidermis favors Gram-positive organisms and are unsuitable for long-term Gram-negative colonization. However, the epidermis acts as the most important host-to-host transmission platform for bacteria, including those that colonize human mucous membranes. Bacteria are frequently shared by relatives, partners, and coworkers. The epidermal bacterial transmission platform of healthcare workers and visitors can contaminate hospitalized patients, eventually contributing to cross-infections. Epidermal transmission occurs mostly via the hands and particularly through fingers. The three-dimensional physical structure of the epidermis, particularly the fingertips, which have frictional ridges, multiplies the possibilities for bacterial adhesion and release. Research into the biology of bacterial transmission via the hands is still in its infancy; however, tribology, the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion, including friction, wear and lubrication, will certainly be an important part of it. Experiments on finger-to-finger transmission of microorganisms have shown significant interindividual differences in the ability to transmit microorganisms, presumably due to genetics, age, sex, and the gland density, which determines the physical, chemical, adhesive, nutritional, and immunological status of the epidermal surface. These studies are needed to optimize interventions and strategies for preventing the hand transmission of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Baquero
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Network Center for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Saralegui
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Marcos-Mencía
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luna Ballestero
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Vañó-Galván
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar M Moreno-Arrones
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Del Campo
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBER-EEII), Madrid, Spain
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14
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BULDUK S, BULDUK E. Hygiene Behavior in Middle School Students in Ankara, Turkey. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.785809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Murina PF, Graziottin A, Bagot O, Panay N, Thamkhantho M, Shaw SW. Real-World Practices and Attitudes Towards Intimate Self- Care: Results From An International Women's Survey. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102192. [PMID: 34175471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vulvovaginal health is important to women's overall health, fertility, sexuality, self-perception, self-confidence and intimacy. It is important to identify the existing perceptions and levels of knowledge about intimate care practices from women in different countries, and with different cultures, religions, and perspectives to help women overcome barriers to optimal intimate care. METHODS An anonymous online survey about general and intimate hygiene routines/habits was distributed across 10 countries (England, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Russia, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand). The sample consisted of around 10,000 women (aged 18 to 60 years) recruited through an online panel. RESULTS The survey indicates that for many women, cleaning the intimate area is not just about hygiene, but also about taking care of themselves. Intimate care practices, performed daily, varies widely among the countries (from 38% to 91%). Italy, Philippines Portugal, Russia and Thailand were the countries with higher percentage. Intimate care is mainly associated with hygiene and health benefit, but interestingly women engage in intimate care more often with age. Most women worldwide are comfortable talking about female genitalia but still consider it a taboo topic, particularly among younger generations. Asian countries continue to carry negative connotations. CONCLUSIONS This survey is the first of its kind for number of women involved in this research and for multi-cultural design. Women perceive that practicing intimate care positively impacts their health and wellbeing. However, intimate care is still not one of the most frequent daily routines for many women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prof Filippo Murina
- Lower Genital Tract Disease Unit, V. Buzzi Hospital-University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Graziottin
- Center of Gynecology and Medical Sexology, San Raffaele Resnati Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Odile Bagot
- Gynecology-Obstetrics private practice, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nick Panay
- Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals and Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manopchai Thamkhantho
- Family Planning and Reproductive Health Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Broadhead R, Craeye L, Callewaert C. The Future of Functional Clothing for an Improved Skin and Textile Microbiome Relationship. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1192. [PMID: 34073029 PMCID: PMC8226598 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin microbiome has become a hot field of research in the last few years. The emergence of next-generation sequencing has given unprecedented insights into the impact and involvement of microbiota in skin conditions. More and more cosmetics contain probiotics or bacteria as an active ingredient, with or without scientific data. This research is also acknowledged by the textile industry. There has been a more holistic approach on how the skin and textile microbiome interacts and how they influence the pH, moisture content and odour generation. To date, most of the ingredients have a broad-spectrum antibacterial action. This manuscript covers the current research and industry developments in the field of skin and textiles. It explores the nature of antimicrobial finishing in textiles which can disrupt the skin microbiome, and the benefits of more natural and microbiome friendly therapies to combat skin conditions, malodour and skin infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris Callewaert
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (R.B.); (L.C.)
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17
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Al KF, Puebla-Barragan S, Reid G, Burton JP. Young scientist perspective—microbiology trainees and social media: making science go viral during a pandemic. FEMS MICROBES 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY
This perspective looks at how social media has become even more critical since the pandemic and provides tips on how to market research outputs from a trainee viewpoint better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kait F Al
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Jeremy P Burton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
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18
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Skowron K, Bauza-Kaszewska J, Kraszewska Z, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Grudlewska-Buda K, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Wałecka-Zacharska E, Radtke L, Gospodarek-Komkowska E. Human Skin Microbiome: Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Skin Microbiota. Microorganisms 2021; 9:543. [PMID: 33808031 PMCID: PMC7998121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it protects the body from the external environment. It has become the topic of interest of researchers from various scientific fields. Microorganisms ensure the proper functioning of the skin. Of great importance, are the mutual relations between such microorganisms and their responses to environmental impacts, as dysbiosis may contribute to serious skin diseases. Molecular methods, used for microorganism identification, allow us to gain a better understanding of the skin microbiome. The presented article contains the latest reports on the skin microbiota in health and disease. The review discusses the relationship between a properly functioning microbiome and the body's immune system, as well as the impact of internal and external factors on the human skin microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Justyna Bauza-Kaszewska
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, UTP University of Science and Technology, 85-029 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Zuzanna Kraszewska
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Ewa Wałecka-Zacharska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Consumer Health, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 C.K. Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Laura Radtke
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Al. prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (Z.K.); (N.W.-K.); (K.G.-B.); (J.K.-P.); (E.G.-K.)
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19
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Yu L. Restoring Good Health in Elderly with Diverse Gut Microbiome and Food Intake Restriction to Combat COVID-19. Indian J Microbiol 2021; 61:104-107. [PMID: 33424043 PMCID: PMC7778869 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-020-00913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 continues to be an ongoing global threat. The elderly with underlying health conditions like cardiovascular and lung diseases, diabetes, obesity, are the most vulnerable to this disease. Curing the pre-existing health conditions will greatly increase a person's resilience to COVID-19 and lower the death rate of the old people. Digestion and immunity form an integrated nutrition acquisition process, especially in obtaining essential amino acids and essential fatty acids from living microbial cells. A mature strong immunity coupled with gut dysbiosis in adults is the main cause of nutritional disorders like morbid obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Nutrition disorders in return worsen dysbiosis. Human microbiome has an intrinsic duality. While a diverse microbiome provides a full spectrum of essential nutrients to our body, nutrition disorders fuel overgrowth of microbiota (dysbiosis) at many sites on or inside our body, and are the main causes of chronic inflammation at these sites. In the case of COVID-19, nutritional disorder impairs the immunity, causes hyperinflammation, and leads to the protracted overload of cytokines by the immune system, i.e., the cytokine storm. Autophagy induced by restrictive eating is an ideal inhibitor of microbiota overgrowth, as autophagy deprives microbiota of excessive nutrition for replication. Autophagy also attenuates inflammation. Therefore, as a precaution, the author suggests restoring good health in the elderly with the support from a diverse gut microbiome and daily regular food intake restriction, so as to lower the risk of developing into severe case even if they are infected by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligen Yu
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361Talent Recruitment and Career Support (TRACS) Office and Bibliometrics Analysis, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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20
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Finlay BB, Amato KR, Azad M, Blaser MJ, Bosch TCG, Chu H, Dominguez-Bello MG, Ehrlich SD, Elinav E, Geva-Zatorsky N, Gros P, Guillemin K, Keck F, Korem T, McFall-Ngai MJ, Melby MK, Nichter M, Pettersson S, Poinar H, Rees T, Tropini C, Zhao L, Giles-Vernick T. The hygiene hypothesis, the COVID pandemic, and consequences for the human microbiome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2010217118. [PMID: 33472859 PMCID: PMC8017729 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2010217118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to affect the human microbiome in infected and uninfected individuals, having a substantial impact on human health over the long term. This pandemic intersects with a decades-long decline in microbial diversity and ancestral microbes due to hygiene, antibiotics, and urban living (the hygiene hypothesis). High-risk groups succumbing to COVID-19 include those with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, which are also associated with microbiome abnormalities. Current pandemic control measures and practices will have broad, uneven, and potentially long-term effects for the human microbiome across the planet, given the implementation of physical separation, extensive hygiene, travel barriers, and other measures that influence overall microbial loss and inability for reinoculation. Although much remains uncertain or unknown about the virus and its consequences, implementing pandemic control practices could significantly affect the microbiome. In this Perspective, we explore many facets of COVID-19-induced societal changes and their possible effects on the microbiome, and discuss current and future challenges regarding the interplay between this pandemic and the microbiome. Recent recognition of the microbiome's influence on human health makes it critical to consider both how the microbiome, shaped by biosocial processes, affects susceptibility to the coronavirus and, conversely, how COVID-19 disease and prevention measures may affect the microbiome. This knowledge may prove key in prevention and treatment, and long-term biological and social outcomes of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Brett Finlay
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Katherine R Amato
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Meghan Azad
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Martin J Blaser
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8021
| | - Thomas C G Bosch
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Zoologisches Institut, University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hiutung Chu
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Stanislav Dusko Ehrlich
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Metagenopolis Unit, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eran Elinav
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 761000, Israel
- Cancer-Microbiome Division, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naama Geva-Zatorsky
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Philippe Gros
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Karen Guillemin
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Frédéric Keck
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 75016 Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie Sociale, Collège de France, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tal Korem
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Systems Biology, Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Margaret J McFall-Ngai
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822
| | - Melissa K Melby
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711
| | - Mark Nichter
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Sven Pettersson
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 637715 Singapore
| | - Hendrik Poinar
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4, Canada
| | - Tobias Rees
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Transformations of the Human Program, Berggruen Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90013
| | - Carolina Tropini
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Liping Zhao
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Tamara Giles-Vernick
- Humans and the Microbiome Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada;
- Anthropology & Ecology of Disease Emergence, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
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Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Applied as a Patch on Human Skin Physiology and Its Microbiota. COSMETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the change in skin microbiota composition, relative abundance, and diversity with skin physiology disruption induced by SLS patch. Healthy women declaring to have a reactive skin were submitted to a 0.5% aqueous sodium lauryl sulfate solution application under occlusive patch condition for 24 h. Skin properties were characterized by tewametry, corneometry, and colorimetry and bacterial diversity was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Analysis before and one day after SLS patch removal revealed an increase of skin redness and a decrease of stratum corneum hydration and skin barrier function. The relative abundance of taxa containing potential pathogens increase (Firmicutes: Staphylococcaceae; Proteobacteria: Enterobacteriaceae, Pantoea) while some of the most occurring Actinobacteria with valuable skin protection and repair capacities decreased (Micrococcus, Kocuria, and Corynebacterium). We observed an impaired skin barrier function and dehydration induced by SLS patch disturb the subtle balance of skin microbiota towards skin bacterial community dysbiosis. This study provides new insights on the skin bacterial composition and skin physiology simultaneously impaired by a SLS patch.
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Ruiz L, Alba C, García-Carral C, Jiménez EA, Lackey KA, McGuire MK, Meehan CL, Foster J, Sellen DW, Kamau-Mbuthia EW, Kamundia EW, Mbugua S, Moore SE, Prentice AM, Gindola K D, Otoo GE, Pareja RG, Bode L, McGuire MA, Williams JE, Rodríguez JM. Comparison of Two Approaches for the Metataxonomic Analysis of the Human Milk Microbiome. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:622550. [PMID: 33842385 PMCID: PMC8027255 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.622550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent work has demonstrated the existence of large inter-individual and inter-population variability in the microbiota of human milk from healthy women living across variable geographical and socio-cultural settings. However, no studies have evaluated the impact that variable sequencing approaches targeting different 16S rRNA variable regions may have on the human milk microbiota profiling results. This hampers our ability to make meaningful comparisons across studies. In this context, the main purpose of the present study was to re-process and re-sequence the microbiome in a large set of human milk samples (n = 412) collected from healthy women living at diverse international sites (Spain, Sweden, Peru, United States, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana and Kenya), by targeting a different 16S rRNA variable region and reaching a larger sequencing depth. Despite some differences between the results obtained from both sequencing approaches were notable (especially regarding alpha and beta diversities and Proteobacteria representation), results indicate that both sequencing approaches revealed a relatively consistent microbiota configurations in the studied cohorts. Our data expand upon the milk microbiota results we previously reported from the INSPIRE cohort and provide, for the first time across globally diverse populations, evidence of the impact that different DNA processing and sequencing approaches have on the microbiota profiles obtained for human milk samples. Overall, our results corroborate some similarities regarding the microbial communities previously reported for the INSPIRE cohort, but some differences were also detected. Understanding the impact of different sequencing approaches on human milk microbiota profiles is essential to enable meaningful comparisons across studies. Clinical Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02670278.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Ruiz
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Lorena Ruiz, ; Juan Miguel Rodriguez,
| | - Claudio Alba
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Carral
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther A. Jiménez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kimberly A. Lackey
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Michelle K. McGuire
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Courtney L. Meehan
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - James Foster
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Daniel W. Sellen
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Samwel Mbugua
- Department of Human Nutrition, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Sophie E. Moore
- Division of Women’s Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Unit, Serekunda, Gambia
| | - Andrew M. Prentice
- MRC International Nutrition Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debela Gindola K
- Department of Anthropology, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Gloria E. Otoo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Lars Bode
- Department of Pediatrics and Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Research Excellence (MOMI CoRE), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mark A. McGuire
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Janet E. Williams
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Juan M. Rodríguez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Lorena Ruiz, ; Juan Miguel Rodriguez,
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Scott EA, Bruning E, Nims RW, Rubino JR, Ijaz MK. A 21st century view of infection control in everyday settings: Moving from the Germ Theory of Disease to the Microbial Theory of Health. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:1387-1392. [PMID: 32442651 PMCID: PMC7236697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have considered theories on impact of human exposure to nonpathogenic microbes. A new Microbial Theory of Health is proposed, encouraging targeted hygiene. Microbiome research and insights from Bidirectional Hygiene inform targeted hygiene.
Background The growing understanding of the importance of a healthy microbiome is challenging traditional thinking that resulted in the general acceptance of the Germ Theory of Disease. We propose a more encompassing Microbial Theory of Health that will have implications for the way that we address our relationship with microbes, including hygiene policy and community-based infection control practices. Methods This paper considers theories over the last 30 years that have impacted hygiene policy and consumer practice, from the Germ Theory of Disease and the Hygiene Hypothesis, to the Microbial Theory of Health, including the concept of Bidirectional Hygiene. Here we present a high-level review of the literature on pathogen transmission and the cycle of infection in the home and everyday settings. Results Targeted hygiene is an evidence-based hygiene policy that is employed to prevent transmission of pathogens and the transmission of infectious diseases through targeting only sites, surfaces, and practices that are considered high risk for pathogen transmission. Targeted hygiene also discourages the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum microbicides for lower-risk activities and surfaces. Conclusions The Microbial Theory of Health, including age-appropriate and health-appropriate hygiene practices for home and everyday life, should usher in a new era in which pathogen reduction can be accomplished without indiscriminate elimination of potentially beneficial microbes from the human and environmental microbiomes.
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Zhou H, Shi L, Ren Y, Tan X, Liu W, Liu Z. Applications of Human Skin Microbiota in the Cutaneous Disorders for Ecology-Based Therapy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:570261. [PMID: 33194808 PMCID: PMC7641908 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.570261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin represents the exterior interface between the human body with the environment while providing a home to trillions of the commensal microorganisms—collectively referred to as the skin microbiota. These microbes that coexist in an established balance play a pivotal role in the protection of cutaneous health and the orchestration of skin homeostasis. However, the well-controlled but delicate balance can be perturbed by alterations in the skin microbial communities, namely, dysbiosis, often due to commensals defeated by pathogens competing for space and nutrients, which leads to the occurrence of multiple cutaneous disorders. In view of this, the analysis of skin microbiota constituents in skin diseases is crucial for defining the role of commensal microbes and treatment of skin diseases. Emerging evidence shows that the ecology-based therapy of microbial transplantation has been proven as a valid therapeutic strategy for cutaneous disorders caused by skin microbial dysbiosis. Although its mechanism is not well-understood, there are already some applications for ecology-based therapy with the aim of correcting the imbalances on the cutaneous ecosystem. In this review, we summarize the interactions between dysbiosis and the cutaneous disorders, including homeostasis and dysbiosis of skin microbiota, microbial composition in skin diseases, and the mechanisms and applications of reversing or ameliorating the dysbiosis by the targeted manipulation of the skin microbiota, which may contribute to aid development of therapeutic modality for ecology-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Linlin Shi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ren
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Tan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The skin is home to a diverse milieu of bacteria, fungi, viruses, bacteriophages, and archaeal communities. The application of culture-independent approaches has revolutionized the characterization of the skin microbiome and have revealed a previously underappreciated phylogenetic and functional granularity of skin-associated microbes in both health and disease states. RECENT FINDINGS The physiology of a given skin-niche drives the site-specific differences in bacterial phyla composition of healthy skin. Changes in the skin microbiome have consistently been associated with atopic dermatitis. In particular, Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth with concomitant decline in Staphylococcus epidermidis is a general feature associated with atopic dermatitis and is not restricted to eczematous lesions. Changes in fungal species are now also being described. Changes in the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota are associated with skin health. SUMMARY We are now beginning to appreciate the intimate and intricate interactions between microbes and skin health. Multiple studies are currently focused on the manipulation of the skin or gut microbiome to explore their therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of skin inflammation.
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Dietz L, Horve PF, Coil DA, Fretz M, Eisen JA, Van Den Wymelenberg K. 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Built Environment Considerations To Reduce Transmission. mSystems 2020; 5:e00245-20. [PMID: 32265315 PMCID: PMC7141890 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00245-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that results in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), corporate entities, federal, state, county, and city governments, universities, school districts, places of worship, prisons, health care facilities, assisted living organizations, daycares, homeowners, and other building owners and occupants have an opportunity to reduce the potential for transmission through built environment (BE)-mediated pathways. Over the last decade, substantial research into the presence, abundance, diversity, function, and transmission of microbes in the BE has taken place and revealed common pathogen exchange pathways and mechanisms. In this paper, we synthesize this microbiology of the BE research and the known information about SARS-CoV-2 to provide actionable and achievable guidance to BE decision makers, building operators, and all indoor occupants attempting to minimize infectious disease transmission through environmentally mediated pathways. We believe this information is useful to corporate and public administrators and individuals responsible for building operations and environmental services in their decision-making process about the degree and duration of social-distancing measures during viral epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Dietz
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Patrick F Horve
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - David A Coil
- Genome Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Mark Fretz
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jonathan A Eisen
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Genome Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, Oregon, USA
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27
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Horve PF, Lloyd S, Mhuireach GA, Dietz L, Fretz M, MacCrone G, Van Den Wymelenberg K, Ishaq SL. Building upon current knowledge and techniques of indoor microbiology to construct the next era of theory into microorganisms, health, and the built environment. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2020; 30:219-235. [PMID: 31308484 PMCID: PMC7100162 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-019-0157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In the constructed habitat in which we spend up to 90% of our time, architectural design influences occupants' behavioral patterns, interactions with objects, surfaces, rituals, the outside environment, and each other. Within this built environment, human behavior and building design contribute to the accrual and dispersal of microorganisms; it is a collection of fomites that transfer microorganisms; reservoirs that collect biomass; structures that induce human or air movement patterns; and space types that encourage proximity or isolation between humans whose personal microbial clouds disperse cells into buildings. There have been recent calls to incorporate building microbiology into occupant health and exposure research and standards, yet the built environment is largely viewed as a repository for microorganisms which are to be eliminated, instead of a habitat which is inexorably linked to the microbial influences of building inhabitants. Health sectors have re-evaluated the role of microorganisms in health, incorporating microorganisms into prevention and treatment protocols, yet no paradigm shift has occurred with respect to microbiology of the built environment, despite calls to do so. Technological and logistical constraints often preclude our ability to link health outcomes to indoor microbiology, yet sufficient study exists to inform the theory and implementation of the next era of research and intervention in the built environment. This review presents built environment characteristics in relation to human health and disease, explores some of the current experimental strategies and interventions which explore health in the built environment, and discusses an emerging model for fostering indoor microbiology rather than fearing it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F Horve
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Savanna Lloyd
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Gwynne A Mhuireach
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Leslie Dietz
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Mark Fretz
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, 97209, USA
| | - Georgia MacCrone
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, 97209, USA
| | - Suzanne L Ishaq
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
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28
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Velazquez S, Griffiths W, Dietz L, Horve P, Nunez S, Hu J, Shen J, Fretz M, Bi C, Xu Y, Van Den Wymelenberg KG, Hartmann EM, Ishaq SL. From one species to another: A review on the interaction between chemistry and microbiology in relation to cleaning in the built environment. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:880-894. [PMID: 31429989 PMCID: PMC6852270 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the advent of soap, personal hygiene practices have revolved around removal, sterilization, and disinfection-both of visible soil and microscopic organisms-for a myriad of cultural, aesthetic, or health-related reasons. Cleaning methods and products vary widely in their recommended use, effectiveness, risk to users or building occupants, environmental sustainability, and ecological impact. Advancements in science and technology have facilitated in-depth analyses of the indoor microbiome, and studies in this field suggest that the traditional "scorched-earth cleaning" mentality-that surfaces must be completely sterilized and prevent microbial establishment-may contribute to long-term human health consequences. Moreover, the materials, products, activities, and microbial communities indoors all contribute to, or remove, chemical species to the indoor environment. This review examines the effects of cleaning with respect to the interaction of chemistry, indoor microbiology, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Willem Griffiths
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Leslie Dietz
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Patrick Horve
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Susie Nunez
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Jinglin Hu
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL
| | - Jiaxian Shen
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL
| | - Mark Fretz
- Institute for Health and the Built EnvironmentUniversity of OregonPortlandOR
| | - Chenyang Bi
- Department of Civil Environmental EngineeringVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburgVA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Building ScienceTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
- Institute for Health and the Built EnvironmentUniversity of OregonPortlandOR
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL
| | - Suzanne L. Ishaq
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
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29
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Borneol-modified chitosan: Antimicrobial adhesion properties and application in skin flora protection. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 228:115378. [PMID: 31635731 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial modifications of chitosan usually endow the products with strong bactericidal activities. However, if the products come into direct contact with human skin, the skin flora, which is beneficial to human health, may be damaged. To address this issue, we developed a stereochemical antimicrobial strategy by grafting borneol 4-formylbenzoate to chitosan using a stable Schiff base bond; this process yielded borneol-modified chitosan (BMC) as a novel antimicrobial material. This material was challenged with gram-negative Escherichia coli, gram-positive Bacillus subtilis, and Aspergillus niger. All tests showed excellent antimicrobial adhesive properties. Guinea pig skin experiments further demonstrated that BMC did not damage the skin flora. Owing to the antimicrobial mechanism of borneol stereochemistry, BMC successfully defended against pathogens and protected the skin flora. Thus, this material may have excellent potential applications in multifunctional textiles, healthcare, and flexible skin electronics.
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30
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Oppong TB, Yang H, Amponsem-Boateng C, Duan G. Hand Hygiene Habits of Ghanaian Youths in Accra. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111964. [PMID: 31163599 PMCID: PMC6603880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The human palm has been identified as one of the richest habitats for human microbial accommodation making hand hygiene essential to primary prevention of infection. Since the hand is in constant contact with fomites which have been proven to be mostly contaminated, building hand hygiene habits is essential for the prevention of infection. This research was conducted to assess the hand hygiene habits of Ghanaian youths in Accra. This study used a survey as a quantitative method of research. The findings of the study revealed that out of the 254 participants who fully answered the questionnaire, 22% had the habit of washing their hands after outings while only 51.6% had the habit of washing their hands after using the bathroom. However, about 60% of the participants said they sometimes ate with their hands while 28.9% had the habit of eating with the hand very often, a situation that put them at risk of infection from their hands since some participants had poor handwashing habits; prompting the need for continuous education on hand hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B Oppong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Cecilia Amponsem-Boateng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Guangcai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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31
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Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that adequate hand hygiene among hospital staff is the best measure to prevent hand-to-hand bacterial transmission. The skin microbiome is conditioned by the individual physiological characteristics and anatomical microenvironments. Furthermore, it is important to separate the autochthonous resident microbiota from the transitory microbiota that we can acquire after interactions with contaminated surfaces. Two players participate in the hand-to-hand bacterial transmission process: the bacteria and the person. The particularities of the bacteria have been extensively studied, identifying some genera or species with higher transmission efficiency, particularly those linked to nosocomial infections and outbreaks. However, the human factor remains unstudied, and intrapersonal particularities in bacterial transmission have not been yet explored. Herein we summarize the current knowledge on hand-to-hand bacterial transmission, as well as unpublished results regarding interindividual and interindividual transmission efficiency differences. We designed a simple in vivo test based on four sequential steps of finger-to-finger contact in the same person artificially inoculated with a precise bacterial inoculum. Individuals can be grouped into one of three observed transmission categories: high, medium, and poor finger-to-finger transmitters. Categorization is relevant to predicting the ultimate success of a human transmission chain, particularly for the poor transmitters, who have the ability to cut the transmission chain. Our model allowed us to analyze transmission rate differences among five bacterial species and clones that cause nosocomial infections, from which we detected that Gram-positive microorganisms were more successfully transmitted than Gram-negative.
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32
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Lerner A, O'Bryan T, Matthias T. Navigating the Gluten-Free Boom: The Dark Side of Gluten Free Diet. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:414. [PMID: 31681712 PMCID: PMC6803387 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In gluten dependent conditions the gluten free diet is the cornerstone of therapy, decreasing disease activity, improving health and quality of life and treating or preventing the associated complications. Gluten withdrawal implies strict and lifelong elimination not only of wheat, barley, rye, and wheat-contaminated oats, but also of numerous non-nutritional products where components of wheat are often added. Due to multiple reasons the diet is difficult to follow and the long-term adherence is decreased with time. The present review summarizes the dark side of gluten restriction where nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, morbidity, mortality, and mental health problems are reported. The aim being to increase awareness, avoid, detect and treat the side effects and to promote a healthier nutrition, for the patient's benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas O'Bryan
- Gastroenterology, Clinical Practice and Institute of Functional Medicine, The National University of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA, United States
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Browne HP, Neville BA, Forster SC, Lawley TD. Transmission of the gut microbiota: spreading of health. Nat Rev Microbiol 2017; 15:531-543. [PMID: 28603278 PMCID: PMC5837012 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2017.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of commensal intestinal bacteria between humans could promote health by establishing, maintaining and replenishing microbial diversity in the microbiota of an individual. Unlike pathogens, the routes of transmission for commensal bacteria remain unappreciated and poorly understood, despite the likely commonalities between both. Consequently, broad infection control measures that are designed to prevent pathogen transmission and infection, such as oversanitation and the overuse of antibiotics, may inadvertently affect human health by altering normal commensal transmission. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms and factors that influence host-to-host transmission of the intestinal microbiota and examine how a better understanding of these processes will identify new approaches to nurture and restore transmission routes that are used by beneficial bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary P Browne
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - B Anne Neville
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Samuel C Forster
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Trevor D Lawley
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
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