Diversity of Bacterial Communities of Fitness Center Surfaces in a U.S. Metropolitan Area

• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111212544
• Publication Date: 2014-12-03T15:27:09Z
• Authors: Nabanita Mukherjee; Scot Dowd; Andy Wise; Sapna Kedia; Varun Vohra; Pratik Banerjee
• Keywords: Bacterial phyla

Public fitness centers and exercise facilities have been implicated as possible sources for transmitting community-acquired bacterial infections. However, the overall diversity of community residing on surfaces in these indoor environments is still unknown. In this study, we investigated ecology selected a metropolitan area (Memphis, TN, USA) utilizing culture-independent pyrosequencing 16S rRNA genes. Samples were collected from skin-contact (e.g., instruments, floor mats, handrails, etc.) within centers. Taxonomical composition revealed abundance Firmicutes phyla, followed by Proteobacter Actinobacteria, with total 17 families 25 genera. Most genera are human environmental origin (including, air, dust, soil, water). Additionally, found presence some pathogenic or potential including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Micrococcus. Staphylococcus was to be most prevalent genus. Presence viable forms pathogens elevates risk exposure any susceptible individuals. Several factors (including personal hygiene, surface cleaning disinfection schedules facilities) may reasons rich study. The current finding underscores need increase public awareness importance hygiene sanitation gym users.