Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine if the UJ Chiropractic Clinic modality machines and Chiropractic Intern’s personal clinic packs were a source of bacterial and fungal pathogens. As well as whether or not the Chiropractic Interns’ need to be taught a hygiene protocol which will be put into place to reduce transmission between patients in the clinic. METHODOLOGY Surface samples were collected from the UJ Chiropractic Clinic modality machines using sterile Hygiena Stick Sponges with neutralizing buffer. Samples were also collected from the electrode pads found in the Chiropractic Intern’s personal clinic packs by asking the students to place their electrode pads into sterile bags that were returned to them at their next clinic shift. All samples were taken as the objects were found, thereafter, they were disinfected with the Distel disinfection and a second sample was taken after a waiting period of 5 minutes. The samples from the modality machines were transported and stored under the appropriate conditions. They were then analysed using the spiral plater on Tryptic Soya Agar (TSA). These plates were then incubated overnight at 37°C. The following medias, Baird Parker Agar/Deoxycholate Citrate Agar/MacConkey Agar, were also used in the streak plate method. These plates were incubated overnight at 37°C. The samples from the Chiropractic Intern’s electrode pads were analysed by pressing them onto sterile agar for five seconds. The agar used was Plate Count Agar (PCA) and Deoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA). They were analysed by the least selective to the most selective so that growth is not inhibited. The vii electrode pads were then sprayed with Distel Disinfectant, allowed to stand for five minutes and then re-inoculated with PCA first then DCA following the above process...
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)