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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Occurrence of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria in liquid hand soaps from bulk refillable dispensers in public
Marisa Chattman1, Sheri L Gerba, Charles P Maxwell
1Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
Abstract:
The goal of the study discussed in this article was to determine the occurrence of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria in liquid soap from bulk refillable dispensers, obtained from restrooms in a variety of public facilities. A total of 541 samples was collected from five U.S. cities. Liquid soap from dispensers in public areas was found to contain heterotrophic and coliform bacterial numbers averaging more than 106 CFU/mL in 24.8% of the dispensers.
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