Culture-independent analysis of bacterial diversity in a child-care facility.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Child-care facilities appear to provide daily opportunities for exposure and transmission of bacteria and viruses. However, almost nothing is known about the diversity of microbial contamination in daycare facilities or its public health implications. Recent culture-independent molecular studies of bacterial diversity in indoor environments have revealed an astonishing diversity of microorganisms, including opportunistic pathogens and many uncultured bacteria. In this study, we used culture and culture-independent methods to determine the viability and diversity of bacteria in a child-care center over a six-month period.

Results

We sampled surface contamination on toys and furniture using sterile cotton swabs in four daycare classrooms. Bacteria were isolated on n

SUBMITTER: Lee L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1853100 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature