Shoe soles as a potential vector for pathogen transmission: a systematic review
T Rashid1,2, H M VonVille2, I Hasan3
1University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|August 7, 2016
Summary
Shoe soles can carry infectious pathogens like MRSA and C. difficile. Current decontamination methods are not consistently effective, highlighting the need for further research into shoe-related disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Shoe soles are recognized as potential vectors for transmitting infectious diseases.
- Previous studies have investigated pathogen prevalence and decontamination, but a comprehensive review was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the prevalence of infectious agents on shoe soles.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various shoe sole decontamination strategies.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across three electronic databases.
- Study quality was assessed by two independent reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus.
Main Results:
- Thirteen studies confirmed shoe soles as vectors for pathogens, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative species.
- Pathogens were found on shoe soles in healthcare, community, and food worker settings.
- Fifteen studies examined decontamination strategies, but none proved consistently effective.
Conclusions:
- Shoe soles harbor a high prevalence of microbiological pathogens across various settings.
- An effective and consistently successful decontamination strategy for shoe soles has not been identified.
- Further research is required to understand the role of contaminated shoes in infectious disease transmission.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
14.5K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
14.5K
01:20Infection
13.9K
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
13.9K
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
5.0K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
5.0K