Pathogen transmission in child care settings studied by using cauliflower virus DNA as a surrogate marker

Pathogen transmission in child care facilities was studied using modified cauliflower virus DNA as an environmental marker. Hand contact with contaminated surfaces played an important part in marker transmission. After introduction to a child care centre, markers were detected in children’s homes, on toys and environmental surfaces, and hands of family members. Journal of Infectious Diseases 1998;177:881-888.