The survival and transfer of microbial contamination via cloths, hands and utensils

Abstract

Survival and transfer of bacteria from laminated surfaces and cleaning cloths were investigated under laboratory conditions. Drying produced substantial reductions in numbers of recoverable organisms and achieved satisfactory decontamination of clean laminate surfaces. On soiled surfaces and on clean and soiled cloths, Gram-positive and some Gram-negative species survived for up to 4 h, and in some cases up to 24 h. Where contaminated surfaces or cloths came into contact with the fingers, a stainless steel bowl, or a clean laminate surface, organisms were transferred in sufficient numbers to represent a potential hazard if in contact with food.

Contamination of hands and work surfaces with Salmonella enteritidis PT4 during the preparation of egg dishes

“…Viability was largely unchanged over a 24 h period at 20 'C. These results contrast markedly with other investigations with other salmonellas [16] and may suggest that either egg is particularly protective or that S. enteritidis is especially resistant. This is being investigated.…”

Cross-contamination and infection in the domestic environment and the role of chemical disinfectants

“…the risk of transfer of contamination is constantly present. although a continuous-release chlorine block was effective in maintaining a low level of contamination in the toilet itself, Laboratory studies (Scott and Bloomfield 1990a) indicate that, where the fingertips or a utensil are applied to a conthis was not associated with any significant reduction in con-taminated but dry laminate surface, significant numbers of field (1990a) have demonstrated that organisms dried on inanimate surfaces can survive for periods of up to 4 h (and organisms are transferred. Studies demonstrating transfer of rotavirus and rhinovirus from contaminated surfaces to finfor some species longer) to allow transfer to other surfaces in sufficient numbers to represent an infection risk.…”

Evaluation of Microbial Contamination in Frequently Used Fomites in Kuwait

“…54 Numerous studies have reported that various bacteria can adhere and survive on hands, utensils, sponges, cloths, and currency for hours, days, or weeks after initial contact with the microorganisms. [55][56][57] It is also important to note that potential hazard depends not only on type but also number of pathogenic organisms present. It was reported that large doses (10 5 -10 7 CFU) of enteropathogenic organisms and 10 6 CFU of S. aureus are required to cause an infection.…”