Retracted: P495 Contamination of wind instruments: A potential threat to musicians

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMResearch shows that wind instruments are often contaminated with various bacteria and mould, creating a potential threat to musicians. These microorganisms are partially transferred from the players to the instrument during playing. Since the moist and dark inner surface of the instruments create the perfect environment for the microorganisms, they can easily nestle and grow. Then, they are retransferred back to the players as they inhale during playing. Current literature reports many cases of Hypersensitivity Pneumonia caused by contaminated instruments.ObjectiveThe objective of the current research is to explore the amount and variety of microorganisms inside brasswind instruments as well as testing antibacterial properties of different materials used in instrument production.MethodIn this three-part study, first of all, with a face-to-face survey, information such as instrument cleaning habits, cleaning products, and methods they use and etc. are collected from the subjects. Then, with samples taken from two-three different parts of the subjects' instruments, the amount and types of microorganisms are detected. Lastly, three instruments made of three different materials (gold, silver, brass) are tested for differences in the growth rate of the pathogens, and their advantage/disadvantages for health purposes are evaluated.ResultsWhen obtained metagenomic data are analyzed, it is found that the tested instruments were highly contaminated with various bacteria, many of which are opportunistic pathogens, and mould. Furthermore, the tests done on instruments made of different materials reveal that silver instruments have antibacterial characteristics. On the other hand, gold and brass instruments do not have antibacterial characteristics.ConclusionTo conclude, the brass instruments harbor a vast amount of microorganisms and need to be regularly cleaned with an effective hygiene protocol by the players. Also, due to its antibacterial properties, the use of silver plating in brass instruments would be preferable for health purposes.