Detection of pathogenic micro-organisms on children's hands and toys during play.
J Appl Microbiol 2014;
116:1668-75. [PMID:
24524673 DOI:
10.1111/jam.12473]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS
This study aimed to determine if the children's leisure activities impact the presence of pathogens on their hands and toys.
METHODS & RESULTS
To assess the microbiological hazard in playground areas, a pilot study that included 12 children was conducted. We then conducted an intervention study; children's hands and toys were washed before playing. Faecal coliforms, pathogenic bacteria and Giardia lamblia were quantified by membrane filtration, selective media and flotation techniques, respectively; rotavirus, hepatitis A and rhinovirus by RT-PCR. Pilot study results revealed faecal contamination on children's hands and toys after playing on sidewalks and in public parks. Pathogenic bacteria, hepatitis A and G. lamblia on children's hands were also found. In the intervention study, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found on children's hands at concentrations up to 2·5 × 10(4) and 1 × 10(4) CFU hands(-1), respectively. E. coli and Kl. pneumoniae were detected on toys (2·4 × 10(3) and 2·7 × 10(4) CFU toy(-1), respectively). Salmonella spp, Serratia spp and G. lamblia cysts were also present on toys.
CONCLUSION
Children's play activities influence microbial presence on hands and toys; the transfer seems to occur in both ways.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
Control strategy needs to be implemented to protect children from infectious diseases.
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