PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - D. E. Andrew
AU  - E. Bumstead
AU  - A. G. Kempton
TI  - The role of fomites in the transmission of vaginitis
DP  - 1975 May 17
TA  - Canadian Medical Association Journal
PG  - 1181--1183
VI  - 112
IP  - 10
4099  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/112/10/1181.short
4100  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/112/10/1181.full
SO  - CMAJ1975 May 17; 112
AB  - A role for fomites such as toilet seats in the transmission of vaginitis has never been proved or disproved. A compilation of clinical data from a university community showed that the organisms found in vaginal cultures of patients with vaginitis were, in order of frequency. Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, beta-hemolytic streptococci, Hemophilus vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis. In a concurrent bacteriologic survey of washroom fixtures, staphylococci and other micrococci were isolated most frequently. The overt pathogens associated with vaginitis were never found, and gram-negative organisms appeared to be suppressed by the disinfectant used by the cleaning staff. It is clear that fomites are not an important mode of transmission in vaginitis, although a search for specific pathogens on toilets is to be continued.