Commonly Used Public Facility Devices as Potential Sources of Infections

Introduction

Public facilities play a crucial role in communities as they serve as important gathering places, providing a wide range of services and amenities. In recent times, there has been a growing awareness of the escalating risks posed by infectious diseases on a global scale (Baker et al., 2022; Bloom & Cadarette, 2019). The emergence and rapid transmission of various pathogens have underscored the significance of comprehending and effectively addressing potential sources of infection. Despite extensive research on healthcare-associated infections, the role of commonly utilized public utility devices as potential sources of infection remains a crucial area that demands additional exploration (Bloom & Cadarette, 2019; Bonadonna et al., 2017). Public utility devices, including ATMs, pens, writing desks, chairs, doorknobs, touch screens, and others, serve as frequent points of contact for individuals from various backgrounds, potentially facilitating the transmission of pathogens (Bloom & Cadarette, 2019; Bonadonna et al., 2017).

Bacteria are ubiquitous microorganisms that establish colonies in a diverse array of environments, including commonly touched utility devices found in public spaces (Bonadonna et al., 2017; Cave et al., 2021; Russotto et al., 2015). Utility devices frequently harbor Staphylococcus aureus, which stands out as one of the most commonly detected bacteria, with contamination rates varying from 10% to 60% (Cave et al., 2021; Jabłońska-Trypuć et al., 2022; Suleyman et al., 2018). Staphylococcus aureus can lead to various infections, encompassing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), respiratory infections, bloodstream infections and the fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in pregnant women (Kwiecinski & Horswill, 2020; Linz et al., 2023). Escherichia coli, a common inhabitant of the intestinal tract has been detected on utility devices, with contamination rates ranging from 5% to 30% (Dawodu & Akanbi, 2021; Dsani et al., 2020). Whiles most of the strains are harmless, certain pathogenic strains can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen which is frequently found in moist environment has also been detected on utility device with contamination rates ranging from 10% to 50%. Enterococcus faecalis, a common member of the human gastrointestinal microbiota has been found on various utility devices with contamination rates ranging from 10% to 40% (Dawodu & Akanbi, 2021; Dsani et al., 2020).

Contaminated devices can serve as sources of bacterial infections leading to community-wide outbreaks (Cudjoe et al., 2022). The handling of food with contaminated hands has been identified as a contributing factor to the widespread occurrence of foodborne diseases in Ghana, resulting in a significant loss of lives (Cudjoe et al., 2022).

The virulence of microorganisms isolates from fomites which are surfaces or objects that can potentially harbour and transmit pathogens can vary depending on the specific microorganism and its characteristics (Abid et al., 2023; Wißmann et al., 2021). Several factors contribute to the virulence of these microorganism including their ability to survive on fomites, their pathogenicity and their resistance to environmental conditions (Abid et al., 2023; Wißmann et al., 2021). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can persist on surfaces for hours or even days, remaining viable and infectious (Harris et al., 2021; Katzenberger et al., 2021; Wißmann et al., 2021).