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:: Volume 12 - 2025 ::
Environ. Health Eng. Manag. 2025, 12 - 2025: 1-9 Back to browse issues page
Microbial assessment of kitchen dishcloths for the presence of targeted bacteria
Rija Shakir , Jamil Ahmed , Sadaf Tagar , Faheem Mahmood
Corresponding author: Department of community medicine, Rashid Latif Khan university (RLKU) medical college, 28-KM, Ferozepur road, Suey Asal, Lahore, Pakistan , Jamil.ahmed@rlkumc.edu.pk
Abstract:   (831 Views)
Background: Dishcloths play a crucial role in keeping kitchen surfaces hygienically clean; however, they can also spread pathogens from spilled food to hands and other food items. The present study aimed to investigate the microbial load of dishcloths, with a specific focus on pathogenic bacterial contaminants they potentially harbor.
Methods: A total of 50 samples were collected from households in the Hyderabad district of Pakistan. Specific media were used to isolate the bacteria. Additionally, the hygiene of dishcloths was evaluated visually, and questionnaires were administered to gather information on the various purposes of dishcloths, the source of water used, and the socio-demographic details of the participants.
Results: The results showed that 42 out of 50 dishcloths had poor hygiene conditions. Almost half of the participants (48%) used the dishcloth for cleaning their kitchen surfaces, and only 18% of the participants washed it daily. Microbial assessment of dishcloths revealed widespread pathogenic contamination. Nearly all dishcloths tested positive for various microorganisms; 98% for total coliforms, 84% for Staphylococcus aureus, 82% for Vibrio cholerae, 74% for Shigella, 54% for Salmonella, 54% for Escherichia coli, and 26% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No significant relationship was found between
the frequency of dishcloth washing and the presence of total coliforms, as determined by the Kruskal-Wallis H-test (H = 2.981, P = 0.561).
Conclusion: The high level of microbial contamination in dishcloths can potentially transmit pathogens and cause infections. Implementing effective disinfection methods, such as boiling or regular washing with detergent, is essential to prevent pathogen transmission.
Article number: 1350
Keywords: Hygiene, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Disinfection
Full-Text [PDF 632 kb]   (483 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Original Article | Subject: General
Received: 2025/02/8 | Accepted: 2025/01/25 | Published: 2025/01/25
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Shakir R, Ahmed J, Tagar S, Mahmood F. Microbial assessment of kitchen dishcloths for the presence of targeted bacteria. Environ. Health Eng. Manag. 2025; 12 : 1350
URL: http://ehemj.com/article-1-1550-en.html


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Volume 12 - 2025 Back to browse issues page
Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal Environmental Health Engineering And Management Journal
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