The Role of the Home Environment in the Transmission of Infectious Diseases

Overview

Journal J Community Health

Publisher Springer

Specialty Public Health

Date 2002 Aug 23

PMID 12190054

Citations 23

Authors

Lori J Kagan

Allison E Aiello

Elaine Larson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine current health care literature (1980-2000) regarding the microbiology of the home environment, to summarize evidence of transmission within the home, and to assess effectiveness of cleaning practices and products. The home environment, particularly the kitchen and bathroom, serves as a reservoir of large numbers of microorganisms, particularly Enterobacteriacae, and infectious disease transmission has been demonstrated to occur in 6-60% of households in which one member is ill. Current food preparation and cleaning practices provide multiple opportunities for intra-household member spread. Routine cleaning is often sufficient, but in cases of household infection, may not adequately reduce environmental contamination. The effectiveness of disinfectants varies considerably and depends on how they are used as well as their intrinsic efficacy. The behavioral aspects of infection prevention in the home (e.g., foodhandling and cleaning practices) warrant increased public attention and education.

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