Research

Assessment and risk reduction of infectious pathogens on chiropractic treatment tables

Marion Willard Evans Jr^{* 1} , Jennell Breshears^{* 2} , Alan Campbell^{* 3} , Chris Husbands^{* 4} and Ronald Rupert^{* 5}

¹Associate Professor, Parker College of Chiropractic, Research Institute, 2500 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229, USA

²Assistant Professor, Parker College of Chiropractic, Research Institute, USA

³Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, Microbiology, Parker College of Chiropractic, USA

⁴Laboratory Manager of Pathological and Physiological Sciences, Parker College of Chiropractic, USA

⁵Dean of Research, Parker College of Chiropractic, USA

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2007, 15:8doi:10.1186/1746-1340-15-8

Published:	7 June 2007

Abstract

Background

To investigate the presence of pathogenic microbes on chiropractic treatment tables in one outpatient teaching clinic. Additional aims were to test inexpensive disinfectants on tables that may kill microbes and suggest infection control measures for chiropractic offices, clinics and classrooms. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of pathogenic microbes on treatment tables in one outpatient teaching clinic and determine a simple behavioral model for infection control including table disinfection and accepted hand washing and sanitizing protocols.

Methods

10 treatment tables were selected and sampled for possible microbial flora on face and hand pieces. Samples were cultured on MacConky's agar and mannitol salt agar, labeled and incubated for up to 48 hours. Confirmatory testing of microbes to determine if drug resistant flora were present was performed. Among tables tested, 5 were selected to test disinfectants. One-half of the face piece and 1 hand piece were treated with two different wipes and then post-tested for microbes.

Results

Pathogenic microbes were present on chiropractic treatment tables including methicillin-resistant Staph aureus. Simple disinfectants neutralized the pathogens. A rudimentary disinfection procedure and infection control measures are suggested based on the findings.

Conclusion

Pathogenic microbes may be present on chiropractic treatment tables and can be effectively killed with proper disinfecting. Hand washing/sanitizing is an important measure in infection control as is table disinfecting. Rudimentary behavioral changes to improve chiropractic clinic infection control are needed. More comprehensive behavioral models are needed. All teaching clinics and private chiropractic offices should adopt infection control practices including routine table disinfecting and hand sanitizing. Effective measures can be put in place at minimal costs. Accrediting bodies of chiropractic institutions should mandate an infection control plan for member institutions immediately.