Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of microbial pathogens (specifically bacterial and fungal pathogens) on the chiropractic treatment tables at the University of Johannesburg chiropractic-teaching clinic, as well as to assess the underlying attitudes and practices of the senior chiropractic students with respect to treatment table disinfection.
METHODOLOGY
Surface samples were taken using the bioMérieux Count-Tact® range and organisms were isolated and identified via the VITEK® 2 instrument. Defined portions on both the left and right hand side of the leather/vinyl components of the headrest, armrest, and thoraco-abdominal pieces from all the chiropractic treatment tables from the University of Johannesburg chiropractic-teaching clinic were sampled using Irradiated Count-Tact® 3PTM agar plates to isolate the potential pathogens. The samples were taken after the clinics’ normal hours of operation so that none of the patients, students, or clinicians were aware of the study and thus change their normal habits.
Following the sample collection, all chiropractic students currently practicing in the clinic were asked to complete a short survey, with questions compiled from previous studies (Puhl et al., 2011). This survey was used to explore the attitudes and practices regarding table disinfection of these practicing students.
RESULTS
The overall response rate for the survey component of the study was 68% (42/62). Ninety-three percent of the students acknowledged the importance of disinfecting the treatment tables for the prevention of pathogen buildup, as it may pose a risk for nosocomial infection (95%)...