Detection of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in households of Mar del Plata

The kitchen and bathroom are the places in the home most susceptible to microbial contamination. These germs are deposited on surfaces to form biofilms and may constitute grounds for potential disease sources. The aim of this study was to detect the presence and concentration of microbial load in the elements and utensils of the most critical housings in the city of Mar del Plata. Four hundred and seventy-eight samples of items and utensils collected from kitchens and bathrooms from 36 homes of families of similar socioeconomic characteristics to the cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome occurred in the same city. Fifty-two per cent of kitchens exceeded the parameters established for the study and >100UFC/sample of mesophilic aerobes, >10UFC/sample of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were detected. Thirty-seven per cent of baths exceeded the established criteria. The elements that are beyond these limits are usually found wet, becoming potential sources thereof. Recommendations were made to ensure proper hygiene in the most critical places. It is extremely important to work in health education at the household level of the community taking into account the recommendations that must be followed when preparing food.