The microbiome of an outpatient rehabilitation clinic and predictors of contamination: A pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding sources of microbial contamination in outpatient rehabilitation (REHAB) clinics is important to patients and healthcare providers.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the microbiome of an outpatient REHAB clinic and examine relationships between clinic factors and contamination.

Methods

Forty commonly contacted surfaces in an outpatient REHAB clinic were observed for frequency of contact and swiped using environmental sample collection kits. Surfaces were categorized based on frequency of contact and cleaning and surface type. Total bacterial and fungal load was assessed using primer sets specific for the 16S rRNA and ITS genes, respectively. Bacterial samples were sequenced using the Illumina system and analyzed using Illumi

SUBMITTER: Brigando G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10159339 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature