Investigating the change in hand microbiota of chiropractic students treating patients in the chiropractic training clinic
- Authors: Eves, Lauren Candice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Chiropractors - Health and hygiene , Hand washing , Microbial contamination
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/226534 , uj:22908
- Description: M.Tech. (Chiropractic) , Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible change in the microbiota on the hands of chiropractic master students at the UJ Chiropractic Clinic during a typical day of patient treatments. It also aimed to determine if the change can be associated with their patients, therefore indicating the likelihood of disease being spread through lack of hand hygiene. Methods: Participants between the ages of 18 and 60 were included in the study. Group 1 consisted of 20 chiropractic master student participants in the UJ Chiropractic Clinic. Group 2 consisted of 3 patient participants for each chiropractic student (60 patients in total). Subjective data was collected by the researcher through a questionnaire before each participant performed the ‘hand washing’ test. Objective data was collected using bacterial levels determined on the hands. Participants had to ‘wash’ their hands in a sterile bag with sterile phosphate buffered saline solution. The Total coliforms (hygiene) and Escherichia coli (faecal pollution) levels were determined in each of the hand wash samples using a most probable number enrichment method. Results: Hand Washing Questionnaire – With regard to the questionnaire, the chiropractic master students (Group 1) scored slightly higher than the patients (Group 2) overall. With regard to the different sections of the questionnaire, the chiropractic master students scored slightly higher than the patients for hand washing knowledge and practices however the patients scored slightly higher than the students for hand washing skills. Bacteria – As suspected, bacterial pathogens were picked up from the hand samples. The most frequently identified bacteria were Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp cremoris, Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus epidermidis. There was a noticeable change in the microbiota on the hands of chiropractic master students during their typical day of patient treatments. Multiple factors may have influenced this change. No statistically significant correlations could be seen between the...
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Demonstrating microbial contamination routes in chiropractic clinics using Glo-GermTM as a surrogate for microbial pathogens
- Authors: Ramsden, Devin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Chiropractic , Chiropractic clinics , Microbial contamination
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296776 , uj:32339
- Description: Abstract: OBJECTIVE Within the chiropractic profession there may be the possibility that microorganisms can be transmitted between the chiropractor, the patient and the treatment bed. This transmission could potentially lead to further infection. With the identification of potential routes of transmission within the chiropractic profession, the transmission and risk of infection from pathogenic microorganisms may be reduced. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the possible routes of microbial transmission between a chiropractor, patient and treatment bed using Glo-GermTM cream (fluoresces when exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) lights) as a surrogate for microorganisms. METHODOLOGY The study design was a qualitative, descriptive study. Glo-GermTM cream was applied to either the chiropractor, patient or treatment bed depending on the route studied. Following a mock treatment, which consisted of an initial greeting (handshake) and three Chiropractic manipulation set-ups, the spread of the Glo-GermTM cream was visualized with black lights which emit long-wave UVA radiation and little visible light in order to observe fluorescence. Transmission of the Glo-GermTM in the treatment room between the chiropractor, patient and treatment bed was noted. This was done in triplicate for each contamination source tested. RESULTS The results showed that there was transfer of the Glo-GermTM cream between the chiropractor, patient and treatment bed. The transfer routes were determined by the visual transmission of Glo-GermTM from the area of the application to the area being tested. The intensity and the amount of Glo-GermTM that was transmitted determined the level of risk for the... , M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
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Monitoring treatment table hygiene in a chiropractic training clinic
- Authors: Kingham, Mark Chris
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Chiropractic clinics , Chiropractors - Health and hygiene , Microbial contamination , Industrial hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/399747 , uj:33331
- Description: Abstract : , M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
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Evaluation of the microbial load in the Homeopathy Health Centre’s dispensary, University of Johannesburg
- Authors: Skosana, Zandile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Homeopathy , Homeopathy - Health and hygiene , Microbial contamination
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/476952 , uj:43077
- Description: M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) , Abstract: There is a vast extent of evidence that has emphasised the role that contaminated surfaces play in the transmission of health-care associated or nosocomial pathogens in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. Particularly, that the surfaces that are highly or frequently touched by patients and health-care workers are more prone to microbial contamination and subsequently can act as reservoirs for the transmission of microbial pathogens. Monitoring surface hygiene for pharmaceutical cleanrooms has proven as a basis for ensuring that there is strict adherence of hygiene protocols and guidelines, while also keeping good microbiological control as per the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Ensuring that the surfaces in the Homeopathic Health Centre’s (HHC) dispensary are always clean and disinfected is an important component of the overall strategy to reduce the risk of health-care associated infections (HCAI) and transmission. No research regarding the hygiene status in the HHC dispensary at University of Johannesburg (UJ) is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial load on the surfaces to monitor surface cleanliness in the dispensary at the (Doornfontein campus) utilising the UltraSnap™ ATP Surface test and to determine if there were any microbial hotspots within the HHC dispensary. The sampling of the dispensary was done by the researcher with the help of qualified laboratory technicians to determine the microbial load using the UltraSnap™ ATP Surface Test. Samples were collected from across multiple surfaces (n= 124) in the HHC dispensary. Surfaces included working surfaces (n= 3), cabinet doors (n= 35), door handles (n= 2), remedy stock bottles (n= 11), bottle caps from remedy bottles (n= 11), measuring utensils (n= 27), shelves (n= 18), access windows (n= 1), sinks (n= 2) and the air conditioner (n= 1). After the initial sampling it was decided to add more highly-touched surfaces, which included the bin top (n= 1), plastic organisers with drawers (n= 11) and the medical waste bin (n= 1). The UltraSnap™ Surface ATP test device and luminometer create a system used for monitoring hygienic status of surfaces on processing equipment and other environments in a wide range of industries. The system works by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy molecule found in all animal, plant, bacterial, yeast, and mould cells. Product residues from organic matter left on surfaces contain ATP. Microbial contamination on a surface contains ATP but typically in smaller amounts. When a sample is collected and ATP is brought into contact with...
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Microbiological analysis of the chiropractic clinic modality machines
- Authors: Mohamed, Aasiah
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Chiropractic clinics - South Africa - Johannesburg , Chiropractors - South Africa - Johannesburg - Health and hygiene , Microbial contamination
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/495991 , uj:45201
- Description: 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)
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