scholarly journals Microbial Sharing between Pediatric Patients and Therapy Animals during Hospital Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Dalton ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Laurel E. Redding ◽  
Daniel O. Morris ◽  
Noel T. Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Therapy Dogs ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Therapy Animals ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

AbstractBackgroundMicrobial sharing between humans and animals has been demonstrated in a variety of settings. However, the extent of microbial sharing that occurs within the healthcare setting during animal-assisted intervention programs, a validated and valuable part of holistic patient wellness, is unknown. Understanding microbial transmission between patients and therapy animals can provide important insights into potential health benefits for patients, in addition to addressing concerns regarding potential pathogen transmission that limits program utilization. This study evaluated the potential for microbial sharing between pediatric patients and therapy dogs, and tested whether patient-dog contact level and a dog decolonization protocol modified this sharing.Methods and ResultsPatients, therapy animals, and the hospital environment were sampled before and after every group therapy session and samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize microbial communities. Both patients and animals experienced changes in the relative abundance and overall diversity of their nasal microbiome, suggesting that exchange of microorganisms had occurred. Increased contact was associated with greater sharing between patients and therapy animals, as well as between patients. A topical chlorhexidine-based dog decolonization intervention was associated with decreased microbial sharing between therapy dogs and patients, particularly from the removal of rarer microbiota from the dog, but did not significantly affect sharing between patients.ConclusionThese data suggest that the therapy animal is both a potential source of and a vehicle for the transfer of microorganisms to patients but not necessarily the only source. The relative contribution of other potential sources (e.g., other patients, the hospital environment) should be further explored to determine their relative importance.

scholarly journals Microbial Sharing between Pediatric Patients and Therapy Dogs during Hospital Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1054
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Dalton ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Laurel E. Redding ◽  
Daniel O. Morris ◽  
Noel T. Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Therapy Dogs ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

Microbial sharing between humans and animals has been demonstrated in a variety of settings. However, the extent of microbial sharing that occurs within the healthcare setting during animal-assisted intervention programs is unknown. Understanding microbial transmission between patients and therapy dogs can provide important insights into potential health benefits for patients, in addition to addressing concerns regarding potential pathogen transmission that limits program utilization. This study evaluated for potential microbial sharing between pediatric patients and therapy dogs and tested whether patient–dog contact level and a dog decolonization protocol modified this sharing. Patients, therapy dogs, and the hospital environment were sampled before and after every group therapy session and samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize microbial communities. Both patients and dogs experienced changes in the relative abundance and overall diversity of their nasal microbiome, suggesting that the exchange of microorganisms had occurred. Increased contact was associated with greater sharing between patients and therapy dogs, as well as between patients. A topical chlorhexidine-based dog decolonization was associated with decreased microbial sharing between therapy dogs and patients but did not significantly affect sharing between patients. These data suggest that the therapy dog is both a potential source of and a vehicle for the transfer of microorganisms to patients but not necessarily the only source. The relative contribution of other potential sources (e.g., other patients, the hospital environment) should be further explored to determine their relative importance.

scholarly journals 160. Reduction in the Spread of Hospital-Associated Infections Among Pediatric Oncology Patients in an Animal-Assisted Intervention Program from a Canine Decolonization Procedure

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S14-S14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Dalton ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Alexandra DeLone ◽  
Pam Frankenfield ◽  
Destiny Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Therapy Dogs ◽  
Therapy Animals ◽  
Hospital Associated Infections

Abstract Background Animal-assisted interventions (AAI), the use of animals as a complementary therapy in holistic patient care, has shown many positive outcomes. However, therapy animals can serve as mechanical vectors of hospital-associated infections (HAI), e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This pilot study assessed for transmission of HAIs among therapy animals, patients, and the hospital environment. We tested the effectiveness of a novel decolonization protocol for therapy dogs to reduce the risk of transmission of HAIs and enhance AAI program sustainability. Our hypothesis was that HAI transmission occurs from positive child to child, with the dog as an intermediary fomite. Methods Before and after child–animal interaction, we sampled patients, dogs, and the environment, and collected vital statistics and survey data from patients. MRSA was detected in samples by culture and molecular testing. Therapy dog handlers performed normal pre-visit practices for 2 control visits, then switched to a decolonization protocol (chlorhexidine-based shampoo prior to the visit, and chlorhexidine wipes on the fur during the visit) for 2 intervention visits. Results We evaluated 45 children and 4 therapy dogs over 13 visits. Children had decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and reported improved mental health scores post visit. MRSA conversion was identified from 10.2% of the children and 38.5% of the dogs, while 93% of the environmental samples were MRSA positive both pre and post. Patients that interacted closely with the dog had 8.01 times higher odds (95% CI 1.1–15.2) of MRSA conversion compared with patients who barely interacted with the dog. When stratified by intervention group, the MRSA conversation odds ratio of close interaction was 0.93 (95% CI 0.1–10.8) when the dog was decolonized versus 9.72 (0.9–99) when not decolonized. Conclusion This study showed the potential for AAI visits to improve physiological and mental health of pediatric outpatients. A risk of HAI exposure to patients from interaction with the dog was found, but this effect was nullified by the decolonization procedure. Future research is needed to increase the safety of this valuable alternative therapy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Impact of a Chlorhexidine Decolonization on the Nasal and Dermal Microbiome of Therapy Dogs Participating in Hospital Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Dalton ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Karen C. Carroll ◽  
Laurel E. Redding ◽  
Allen R. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Infection Control Measure ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Therapy Dogs ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

AbstractTherapy animals in hospital animal-assisted intervention programs are an invaluable part of holistic patient care. However, therapy dogs may be exposed to hospital-associated pathogens through these activities. This pilot study sought to examine the effect of topical chlorhexidine application, used as an infection control measure, on the microbial composition of the skin and mucous membranes of therapy dogs. We found that the chlorhexidine decolonization intervention altered microbial alpha diversity and shifted microbial structures in these therapy dogs, and particularly influenced more phylogenetically rare taxa. Specifically, the intervention reduced the abundance of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the archetypal canine commensal and a frequent cause of opportunistic infections. However, it did not reduce levels of S. aureus, which is a common hospital-associated pathogen of people. These preliminary findings highlight the importance of considering holistic microbial communities when undertaking infection control strategies, and stress the need for further research to understand the unintended consequences of antiseptic use on therapy dogs.

scholarly journals Risks Associated with Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Dalton ◽  
Kaitlin B. Waite ◽  
Kathy Ruble ◽  
Karen C. Carroll ◽  
Alexandra DeLone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
List Type ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogen ◽  
Therapy Animals

AbstractThe benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI), to utilize companion animals as an adjunctive treatment modality, is well-established and a burgeoning research field. However, few studies have evaluated the potential hazards of these programs, such as the potential for therapy animals to transfer hospital-associated pathogens between individuals and the hospital environment. Here we review the current literature on the possible risks of hospital-based AAI programs, including zoonotic pathogen transmission. We identified twenty-nine articles encompassing reviews of infection control guidelines and epidemiological studies on zoonotic pathogen prevalence in AAI. We observed substantial heterogeneity in infection control practices among hospital AAI programs. Few data confirmed pathogen transmission between therapy animals and patients. Given AAI’s known benefits, we recommend that future research utilize a One Health framework to evaluate microbial dynamics among therapy animals, patients, and hospital environments. This framework may best promote safe practices to ensure the sustainability of these valuable AAI programs.HighlightsDespite the many benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for patients, there is a risk of therapy animals becoming vectors of hospital pathogens.There is an absence of literature on transmission of hospital pathogens between patients and therapy animals during an AAI session.More research is needed to improve the safety and utilization of this important adjunctive therapy.

scholarly journals Disinfectant Activity of A Portable Ultraviolet C Equipment

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Guridi ◽  
Elena Sevillano ◽  
Iñigo de la Fuente ◽  
Estibaliz Mateo ◽  
Elena Eraso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Initial Inoculum ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Ultraviolet C ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be caused by microorganisms present in common practice instruments generating major health problems in the hospital environment. The aim of this work was to evaluate the disinfection capacity of a portable ultraviolet C equipment (UV Sanitizer Corvent® -UVSC-) developed to disinfect different objects. For this purpose, six pathogens causing HAIs: Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, were inoculated on slides and discs of different biomaterials (borosilicate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, silicone, Teflon and titanium) and exposed to ultraviolet C radiation. UVSC disinfection was compared with ethanol and chlorhexidine antimicrobial activities following the standards EN14561 and EN14562. Disinfection, established as a reduction of five logarithms from the initial inoculum, was achieved with the UVSC at 120 s of exposure time, with and without the presence of organic matter. The disinfectant effect was observed against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, B. subtilis and C. albicans (reduction >99.999%). Disinfection was also achieved with 70% ethanol and 2% chlorhexidine. As conclusion, UVSC was effective disinfecting the most contaminated surfaces assayed, being a promising alternative for disinfecting hospital materials and inanimate objects that cannot be immersed in liquid biocides, reducing the risk of pathogen transmission.

Bridging Familiarity with Unfamiliarity: The Use of Music Therapy to Normalize the Pediatric Hospital Environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Shawna N. Vernisie
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Main Concept ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Case Vignettes ◽  
The Many

This article explores how music therapy can help to normalize the hospital environment for pediatric patients regardless of their acute or long-term status. Many different facets of how normalization can be utilized through music therapy are explained, as well as some case examples to further demonstrate these circumstances. The main concept of this article is to reflect upon how normalization of the hospital environment, via music therapy, may provide pediatric patients with an opportunity to explore their healthy selves rather than focusing on their illness or medical ailments. Case vignettes are also provided to enlighten the many facets of normalization and show how music therapy may offer unique ways of accessing feelings of normalization.

scholarly journals Developing effective animal-assisted intervention programs involving visiting dogs for institutionalized geriatric patients: a pilot study

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra BERRY ◽  
Marta BORGI ◽  
Livia TERRANOVA ◽  
Flavia CHIAROTTI ◽  
Enrico ALLEVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Animal Assisted Intervention

Healthcare Personnel Attire and Devices as Fomites: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1367-1373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Haun ◽  
Christopher Hooper-Lane ◽  
Nasia Safdar
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Clinical Infection ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUNDTransmission of pathogens within the hospital environment remains a hazard for hospitalized patients. Healthcare personnel clothing and devices carried by them may harbor pathogens and contribute to the risk of pathogen transmission.OBJECTIVETo examine bacterial contamination of healthcare personnel attire and commonly used devices.METHODSSystematic review.RESULTSOf 1,175 studies screened, 72 individual studies assessed contamination of a variety of items, including white coats, neckties, stethoscopes, and mobile electronic devices, with varied pathogens includingStaphylococcus aureus,including methicillin-resistantS. aureus, gram-negative rods, and enterococci. Contamination rates varied significantly across studies and by device but in general ranged from 0 to 32% for methicillin-resistantS. aureusand gram-negative rods.Enterococcuswas a less common contaminant. Few studies explicitly evaluated for the presence ofClostridium difficile.Sampling and microbiologic techniques varied significantly across studies. Four studies evaluated for possible connection between healthcare personnel contaminants and clinical isolates with no unequivocally direct link identified.CONCLUSIONSFurther studies to explore the relationship between healthcare personnel attire and devices and clinical infection are needed.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1–7

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