title: An investigation of bacterial contamination on treatment table surfaces of chiropractors in private practice and attitudes and practices concerning table disinfection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The attitudes and behaviors of chiropractors regarding table disinfection have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the bacterial contaminants present on treatment tables in private chiropractic clinics, (2) the effectiveness of the paper barrier in preventing bacterial deposition, and (3) chiropractors' attitudes and practices regarding table disinfection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Defined portions of treatment tables from 14 private clinics in Alberta, Canada were sampled for the presence of bacteria. Growth characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used for bacterial identification. In addition, a 12-item survey was administered to southern Alberta chiropractors (n = 79; 81% response rate) inquiring about their attitudes and behaviors regarding table disinfection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respondents favored the idea of table disinfection (84%), but only 62% had a routine disinfection protocol. Table sampling revealed the presence of a number of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which were recovered from 3 separate clinics. The paper covering on table headpieces was an effective barrier to bacteria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chiropractors have a positive attitude regarding disinfection; however, the risk of infection from treatment tables remains. Modification of the positioning of facial piece paper may be indicated, along with increased emphasis on disinfection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Puhl
authors.forename: Christine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Reinhart
authors.forename: Nathan J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Puhl
authors.forename: L Brent
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Selinger
authors.forename: H Stephen
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Injeyan
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002684:Chiropractic; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004203:Disinfection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000382:microbiology*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D011331:Private Practice; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S