Dissemination of a nonpathogenic viral DNA surrogate marker from high-touch surfaces in rooms of long-term care facility residents

Am J Infect Control. 2017 Oct 1;45(10):1165-1167. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.04.007. Epub 2017 May 16.

Abstract

A nonpathogenic DNA marker inoculated onto the television remote controls in rooms of 2 ambulatory long-term care facility (LTCF) residents disseminated to the hands of the LTCF residents, to high-touch surfaces in the room and on the ward, and to shared portable equipment. These findings suggest that contaminated high-touch surfaces in rooms of ambulatory LTCF residents are a potential source for widespread dissemination of pathogens.

Keywords: Cauliflower mosaic virus; DNA; Environment; Long-term care facility; Transmission.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Cross Infection / transmission*
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Hand / virology*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • DNA, Viral