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Microbial contamination of keyboard

Microbial contamination of computer keyboards in a university setting

Author:
Glenn Anderson and Enzo A. Palombo

The keyboards of multiple-user (student) and single-user (staff) computers located on a university campus were sampled to assess microbial contamination. The average number of microorganisms present on multiple-user computer keyboards was significantly greater than on single-user keyboards, and the number of keyboards harboring potential pathogens was also greater for multipleuser computers. It is recommended that regular cleaning and disinfection of computers be used to reduce the microbial load, especially for multiple-user workstations.

Copyright ª 2009 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
(Am J Infect Control 2009;37:507-9)