Bacterial Contamination of Environmental Surfaces of Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinics
2024
Henry G. Spratt | Nicholas Millis | David Levine | Jenna Brackett | Darryl Millis
The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria on veterinary clinic surfaces may be problematic. In this study, we collected swab samples (Fisherbrand, double transport swabs with Stuart&rsquo:s liquid medium) and water samples from five veterinary rehabilitation clinics. Swabs and water samples were transported to a microbiology lab for processing. At the lab, swabs were used to inoculate Hardy&rsquo:s Cdiff Banana Broth (for Clostridium difficile [Cdiff]) and five different types of bacterial growth media, including Hardy CHROM MRSA agar (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and S. :pseudintermedius [SIM]), mannitol salt agar (S. aureus [SA]), eosin methylene blue agar (enterics [ENT]), Pseudomonas isolation agar (Pseudomonas spp. [PS]), and tryptic soy agar [TSA] (non-specific). The most prominent presumptive species cultured was Cdiff (on nearly 55% of swabs). Bacillus spp. and enteric bacteria were encountered on nearly 35% of swabs, with MRSA and SIM on just over 10% of swabs. The most contaminated sample site was harnesses/life jackets used with the underwater treadmill (33% of swabs). The underwater treadmill water had total bacterial counts from 1,600 to 2,800 cfu/mL. Of all presumptive bacterial species detected, SIM tends to be more pathogenic for dogs. Targeted cleaning/disinfecting in these clinics could help reduce risks for both animals and caregivers utilizing these clinics.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute