An investigation of microbial contamination in the home

Abstract

SUMMARYAn investigation of the bacterial flora in over 200 homes is reported. The occurrence of potential pathogens and the levels of contamination at individual sites, particularly in the kitchen, toilet and bathroom is described and the implications for hygiene practices in the home discussed.

Evaluation of disinfectants in the domestic environment under ‘in use’ conditions

“…By contrast, the performance of the phenolic disinfectant on worktops and chopping boards was relatively poor -only 25-30 % of these sites were disinfected satisfactorily. The low level of contamination associated with the domestic toilet both before as well as after disinfection (70-80 % frequency occurrence of low contamination levels) is in agreement with results found previously (Scott et al 1982), indicating the relative efficiency of flushing as a means of controlling infection hazards associated with the domestic toilet.…”

“…Home and sample sites Householders were recruited from those who participated in the original survey (Scott, Bloomfield & Barlow, 1981, 1982. Test sites in the kitchen included the worktop, chopping board, draining board, sink surface, sink U-tube, dishcloth and cleaning cloth.…”

“…An earlier study of microbial contamination in the home (Scott, Bloomfield & Barlow, 1982) indicated sites which are most likely to represent a potential infection hazard. These include the kitchen sink surface, U-tube and draining board, nappy bucket and toilet, which may act as permanent reservoirs of large numbers of bacteria, whilst items such as disheloths and cleaning cloths may form not only reservoirs but also act as disseminators of bacteria in the home.…”

Microbial investigation of the air in an apartment building

“…Few enterobacteriaceae (0 3 %) were found in the air of the ducts. This was to be expected because the enterobacteriaceae are mainly found in wet areas and that they are unstable in the airborne state (Scott, Bloomfield & Barlow, 1982). The non-fermentative gram-negative bacilli were in relatively high concentration (11-7%) and, in a study reported by Greene et al (1962), these bacteria were principally harboured by particles of 2 ,um and less.…”

“…Quantitative studies on the microbial content of intramural spaces have mainly been performed in public spaces such as hospitals (Bourdillon & Colebrook, 1946;Greene et al 1962), schools (Williams, Lidwell & Hirch, 1956), factories (Favero et al 1966;Hirch, 1951); and a few were done in residential houses (Finch, Prince & Hanksworth, 1978;Scott, Bloomfield & Barlow, 1982). The present study was aimed at the evaluation of the microbial flora of the interior air of an apartment building to determine if it was a threat to public health.…”