Trichophyton tonsurans infections after visiting a barbershop – findings from official hygiene monitoring

Abstract

Background: The Public Health Department became aware of infections with in a total of nine people who had visited the same barbershop.Method: Official hygiene monitoring of the barbershop was performed on an event-related basis, during which compliance with the requirements of the “Schleswig-Holstein State Ordinance on the Prevention of Communicable Diseases (Hygiene Ordinance)” was checked. In addition, hygienic-microbiological environmental examinations of materials and surfaces were performed in cooperation with the Department of Dermatology at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel Campus.Results: Significant deficiencies in hygiene management were identified. The hygiene requirements, especially for the reprocessing of work equipment and surfaces, were not known and were therefore not complied with. Environmental testing revealed the presence of in three out of ten samples tested. Shaving equipment and a drawer used to store shaving equipment were positive.Conclusion: Barbershops can pose a relevant risk of infection, not only for pathogens that cause blood-borne infections. Barbershop operators need information and training regarding compliance with hygiene requirements. They should be included in the planning for the (random) infection hygiene monitoring of facilities by the public health department in accordance with Section 36 (2) of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). The reprocessing frequencies established to date are not sufficient for the prevention of infections and must be adapted.

Keywords

• trichophyton tonsurans
• barbershop
• disinfection measures
• reprocessing of work equipment
• official hygiene monitoring