BACKGROUND: The indoor environment, such as that of childcare and after-school care centers; can have a significant impact on children’s health. It is estimated that humans spend 90% of their time indoors, and are in direct contact with surfaces that contain a diverse collection of microorganisms that can lead to illness. Although previous studies have shown that significant microbial diversity of indoor environments exist, little is known about the sources of contamination and potential for illness. Potential exposure routes to environmental microorganisms are diverse and include direct ingestion, inhalation, and ingestion through hand, or fomite to mouth transfer. Prevention and control of infectious diseases among children in after-school care settings is an ongoing concern for families, staff, health-care practitioners, and the community. Identification of potential pathogens can lead to prevention efforts through environmental assessment, improving the health and wellbeing of children and workers at after-school care centers. In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize potentially transmissible infectious bacteria cultured from two after-school care programs serving children in Benton (Corvallis, Oregon) and Linn Counties (Albany, Oregon).
METHODS: Two after-school care centers located in Benton and Linn County Oregon, serving ~6000 children between the ages of 5-17 years of age were sampled. Six locations within each after-school care facility identified in this study (game room tables, eating tables, computer keyboards, doorknobs, water fountains, and gym equipment) were sampled using individually packed, sterile culture swabs. Culture based microbial methods confirmed that a variety of bacteria were present among after-school care centers. Polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were utilized to identify bacteria at the species level with ≥97% accuracy.
RESULTS: All samples had growth on TSA agar after 24 hours of incubation in 37° C. Bacteria identified among samples submitted for Sanger sequencing included Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus salivarius, Bacillus thuringienis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus simulans. Together, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus salivarius accounted for 50% of the total samples sequenced between the two locations.
CONCLUSIONS: Through gaining an understanding of the types of bacteria that children are exposed to while at after-school care centers we can 1.) Improve sanitation through the use of more effective disinfectants, 2.) Create more informed illness policies to reduce the number of ill children attending the centers and better protect children’s health, and 3.) Reduce overall illness among children, staff, and families.