PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION IN CHILD-CARE SETTINGS STUDIED BY USING A CAULIFLOWER VIRUS-DNA AS A SURROGATE MARKER

Two regions of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA were designed as markers t o study pathogen transmission in a child care home (CCH) and child car e center (CCC) and in homes of CCC children, The DNA markers were stab le for 1 month in the environment, The DNA markers were introduced int o the environment through sensitized objects, and spread in the enviro nment was traced by detection of the markers with polymerase chain rea ction. The DNA markers spread rapidly in both the CCH and CCC after in troduction and spread more rapidly in the toddler room than in the inf ant room of the CCC, Hand touching of contaminated areas was the major factor leading to spread of the markers, Hand washing and surface wip ing decreased spread of the markers. The markers spread minimally from room to room in the CCC but were detected in the children's homes aft er introduction of markers in the CCC.