Staphylococcal Contamination of Mattresses and Blankets on a Surgical Ward under Nonepidemic Conditions

Howe, Chester W.; Silva, Thomas F.; Marston, Alice T.; Woo, D. D. B.

doi:10.1056/nejm196103302641301

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Some studies reporting the contamination of clothing in healthcare facilities suggest that frequent contaminations with micro‐organisms resistant to desiccation (such as Staphylococcus aureus ) must be considered likely (Howe et al . ; Smith et al . ; Bloomfield et al .…”

Section: Micro‐organisms On Textilesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, microbial transfer rates from armpits, especially in hot conditions are likely to be high, whereas general contaminations by members of the skin microbiota are assumedly lower. Some studies reporting the contamination of clothing in healthcare facilities suggest that frequent contaminations with micro-organisms resistant to desiccation (such as Staphylococcus aureus) must be considered likely (Howe et al 1961;Smith et al 1987;Bloomfield et al 2011) and that the total bioburden on items such as soiled sheets and terry towels (depending on certain situation-dependent factors) might be up to 10 4 -10 6 CFU per cm 2 (Blaser et al 1984). In contrast, there are virtually no investigations on the number of microbial cells and the composition of the microbiota on worn or used textiles in daily life scenarios, but some studies suggest that the microbial count after normal use might be in the range of 10 2 -10 4 CFU per cm 2 (McQueen et al 2007;Lucassen et al 2013Lucassen et al , 2014.…”

Section: Micro-organisms On Textilesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Laundry hygiene-how to get more than clean

Bockmühl

2017

J Appl Microbiol

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Summary Although laundering should mainly remove stains and dirt from used and worn textiles, the elimination of microbial contamination is an important aim of the laundry process as well. While industrial and institutional laundering employs standardized processes using high temperatures (i.e. 60°C and above) and bleaching agents to ensure a sufficient hygienic reconditioning of textiles, domestic laundering processes are less defined and not always led by purposeful aims. The strive for energy efficiency of household appliances has resulted in a decrease in washing temperatures in Europe during the last decades and convenience aspects led to an increased use of liquid detergents that do not contain bleach which in turn impacts the antimicrobial efficacy of domestic laundering. This review compiles the different factors that influence the input and removal of micro‐organisms in the laundering process and discusses the possible adverse effects of microbial contaminants in the washing machine and on the textiles as well as suitable counteractions.

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Section: Micro‐organisms On Textilesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Micro-organisms On Textilesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laundry hygiene-how to get more than clean

Bockmühl

2017

J Appl Microbiol

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“…In 2014, Lucassen et al found a mean total viable count (TVC) of approximately 10 2 cfu/cm 2 on hand towels that had been used normally for one week [ 29 ]. In addition to the household-related publications, there have been some studies investigating the bacterial burden on textiles in health care facilities [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. In this regards, Blaser et al (1984) found total bacterial counts on objects such as soiled bed sheets and terry towels of 10 4 –10 6 cfu/cm 2 [ 33 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comprehensive View of Microbial Communities in the Laundering Cycle Suggests a Preventive Effect of Soil Bacteria on Malodour Formation

2022

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Microorganisms are an important factor in the wash-and-use cycle of textiles since they can cause unwanted aesthetic effects, such as malodour formation, and even pose health risks. In this regard, a comprehensive view of the microbial communities in washing machines and consideration of the microbial contamination of used textiles is needed to understand the formation of malodour and evaluate the infection risk related to laundering. So far, neither the compositions of washing machine biofilms leading to the formation of or protection against malodour have been investigated intensively, nor have microbial communities on used towels been analysed after normal use. Our results link the qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial communities in washing machines and on used towels with the occurrence of malodour and thus not only allow for a better risk evaluation but also suggest bacterial colonizers of washing machines that might prevent malodour formation. It was shown that soil bacteria such as Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, Bosea, and Microbacterium in particular are found in non-odourous machines, and that Rhizobium species are able to prevent malodour formation in an in vitro model.

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