title: Occurrence of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria in liquid hand soaps from bulk refillable dispensers in public facilities.
abstract: The goal of the study discussed in this article was to determine the occurrence of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria in liquid soap from bulk refillable dispensers, obtained from restrooms in a variety of public facilities. A total of 541 samples was collected from five U.S. cities. Liquid soap from dispensers in public areas was found to contain heterotrophic and coliform bacterial numbers averaging more than 106 CFU/mL in 24.8% of the dispensers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chattman
authors.forename: Sheri L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Gerba
authors.forename: Charles P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Maxwell
mesh_terms: D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D052836:Heterotrophic Processes; D006801:Humans; D011633:Public Facilities / Q000592:standards*; D012915:Soaps / Q000032:analysis*; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D012915:Soaps