M Martinasek1, Z Rivera2, A Ferrer2, E Freundt2. 1. Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA. 2. Department of Biology, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Abstract
SETTING: Hookah smoking among young adults remains a public health threat. Increasing research has uncovered the deleterious effects of hookah smoking, including both acute and chronic health conditions. Due to the current lack of regulation, hookah bars/lounges lack protocols for equipment sanitation. OBJECTIVES: To examine evidence of bacterial contamination in hookah pipes due to a lack of sanitation regulations. DESIGN: For this field/laboratory study, 10 hookah bars/lounges were studied. Isolated bacteria were characterized and identified by species using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: At the 10 hookah bars sampled, the mouthpiece had the highest bacterial prevalence and diversity. Some of the bacterial isolates were found to be antibiotic-resistant. Ten of the isolated bacteria were Gram-positive and two were identified as Gram-negative. CONCLUSION: Levels of bacterial contamination vary widely from one hookah bar to the next, and reflect a lack of industry standards for cleaning these devices. Bacterial contamination of hookah pipes may represent a fomite for transmission of infectious diseases. Our results warrant future surveillance of hookahs to monitor for potential human pathogens.
SETTING: Hookah smoking among young adults remains a public health threat. Increasing research has uncovered the deleterious effects of hookah smoking, including both acute and chronic health conditions. Due to the current lack of regulation, hookah bars/lounges lack protocols for equipment sanitation. OBJECTIVES: To examine evidence of bacterial contamination in hookah pipes due to a lack of sanitation regulations. DESIGN: For this field/laboratory study, 10 hookah bars/lounges were studied. Isolated bacteria were characterized and identified by species using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: At the 10 hookah bars sampled, the mouthpiece had the highest bacterial prevalence and diversity. Some of the bacterial isolates were found to be antibiotic-resistant. Ten of the isolated bacteria were Gram-positive and two were identified as Gram-negative. CONCLUSION: Levels of bacterial contamination vary widely from one hookah bar to the next, and reflect a lack of industry standards for cleaning these devices. Bacterial contamination of hookah pipes may represent a fomite for transmission of infectious diseases. Our results warrant future surveillance of hookahs to monitor for potential human pathogens.
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