Microbial contamination of computer keyboards in a university setting.
The keyboards of multiple-user (student) and single-user (staff) computers located on a university campus were sampled to assess microbial contamination. The average number of microorganisms present on multiple-user computer keyboards was significantly greater than on single-user keyboards, and the number of keyboards harboring potential pathogens was also greater for multiple-user computers. It is recommended that regular cleaning and disinfection of computers be used to reduce the microbial load, especially for multiple-user workstations.
Anderson
Glenn
G
Environment and Biotechnology Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia.
Palombo
Enzo A
EA
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003201:Computers; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D006801:Humans; D014495:Universities