title: Detection of pathogenic micro-organisms on children's hands and toys during play.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine if the children's leisure activities impact the presence of pathogens on their hands and toys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To assess the microbiological hazard in playground areas, a pilot study that included 12 children was conducted. We then conducted an intervention study; children's hands and toys were washed before playing. Faecal coliforms, pathogenic bacteria and Giardia lamblia were quantified by membrane filtration, selective media and flotation techniques, respectively; rotavirus, hepatitis A and rhinovirus by RT-PCR. Pilot study results revealed faecal contamination on children's hands and toys after playing on sidewalks and in public parks. Pathogenic bacteria, hepatitis A and G. lamblia on children's hands were also found. In the intervention study, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found on children's hands at concentrations up to 2·5 × 10(4) and 1 × 10(4) CFU hands(-1), respectively. E. coli and Kl. pneumoniae were detected on toys (2·4 × 10(3) and 2·7 × 10(4) CFU toy(-1), respectively). Salmonella spp, Serratia spp and G. lamblia cysts were also present on toys.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children's play activities influence microbial presence on hands and toys; the transfer seems to occur in both ways.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Control strategy needs to be implemented to protect children from infectious diseases.
authors: Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Unidad Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Martínez-Bastidas
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Castro-del Campo
authors: K D
authors: KD
authors: Mena
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Castro-del Campo
authors: J
authors: J
authors: León-Félix
authors: C P
authors: CP
authors: Gerba
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Chaidez
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D016829:Giardia lamblia / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006225:Hand / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010988:Play and Playthings; D014780:Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification*
keywords: children; hands; human pathogens; outdoor activities; playgrounds; toys