The role of the home environment in the transmission of infectious diseases

Examines the health care literature from 1980-2000 regarding the microbiology of the home, and summarises the evidence of transmission within the home, and assesses the effectiveness of cleaning practices and products. The home environment serves as a reservoir of large numbers of micro-organisms and infectious disease transmission has been demonstrated to occur in 6-60% of households in which one member is ill. Routine cleaning is often sufficient, but in cases of household infection, may not adequately reduce environmental contamination. The behavioural aspects of infection prevention in the home warrant increased public attention and education. Journal of Community Health 2002;27:247-267.