Household contamination with Salmonella enterica.

This paper suggests that Salmonella contamination does occur in the home environment under certain conditions. Contamination increases when occupational exposure to Salmonella exists, such as cattle farms with known salmonellosis. The study examined the contents of household vacuum cleaner bags. A total of 16 bags from 79 bags were positive for S. enterica. They also studied means of decontaminating carpet that was artificially contaminated with Salmonella. Use of a carpet cleaner and several cleaners/disinfectants reduced, but failed to eliminate, S. enterica from artificially contaminated carpet. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2003;9(1):120-122.