With the world on a heightened state of alert regarding attempts to contain such deadly viruses as the H1N1 swine flu, Australian researchers have revealed that shared computer keyboards are potential breeding grounds for bacteria.
The study was conducted by Swinburne University of Technology's Environment and Biotechnology Centre, where bacteria levels within three campus facilities offering multiple-user keyboards were compared with level on single-user keyboards.
According to a news release by the university, almost five times the number of microorganisms were found on the shared keyboards than that of the single-user keyboards.
"High use, multiple user internet cafes and computer labs are potential hot spots for harbouring microorganisms," said Associate Professor Enzo Palombo, one of the study’s authors.
"Given that computers are not routinely disinfected, the potential for transmitting disease is great. Organisations need to be more rigorous in keeping shared equipment clean," he added.
Prof. Palombo recommended regular cleaning of shared keyboards to minimise the risk of transmitting diseases.
"Keyboards and other hand contact areas such as a computer mouse should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially for multiple-user workstations," he advised.
Alarmingly, almost half of the shared facilities were found to harbour Staphylococcus aureus, also known as golden staph, compared with one-fifth of the single-user keyboards.
The team's findings are due to be published in the July issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
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