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Related Experiment Videos

Environmental contamination in child day-care centers.

R Van1, A L Morrow, R R Reves

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77030.

American Journal of Epidemiology
|March 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Fecal coliform contamination is common in day-care centers, especially on toys and hands. Using overclothes significantly reduced contamination, and diarrhea outbreaks were linked to higher hand contamination levels.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Diarrhea outbreaks in day-care centers are frequently caused by enteropathogens spread via the fecal-oral route.
  • Contaminated hands and environmental objects are primary transmission vectors in these settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of fecal coliform contamination in day-care environments.
  • To identify factors influencing contamination levels and their association with diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted over 13 weeks in six day-care centers, involving 121 children under two years old.
  • Cultures were taken from inanimate objects, toy balls, and hands multiple times weekly.
  • Contamination levels were compared between infant and toddler rooms, and the impact of wearing overclothes was assessed.

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Main Results:

  • Fecal coliform contamination was prevalent on objects, toy balls, and children's hands, with higher rates in toddler rooms.
  • The use of overclothes over diapers significantly decreased contamination on toy balls, objects, and hands.
  • Diarrhea occurrence was strongly associated with increased hand contamination.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal coliform contamination is widespread in day-care centers, with toy balls acting as indicators.
  • Implementing the use of overclothes is an effective strategy to reduce fecal coliform contamination.
  • Controlling fecal contamination is crucial for preventing diarrhea outbreaks in young children.