Sports facilities, due to their physical characteristics and the activities of their users, contain critical points (showers, changing rooms, tatamis, equipment, etc.) that can be important sources of pathogenic microorganisms. These germs are responsible for infections in the users of these facilities. It is therefore very important to eliminate this risk through cleaning and disinfection operations.

Users carrying certain pathogenic microorganisms on their bodies, clothing or accessories such as towels, can contaminate different areas while using them. These microbes survive and proliferate in the environment and on the surfaces of the facilities due to the high humidity and temperature, and can be transmitted by contact or inhalation to other users, causing discomfort or illness which, in some cases, can be serious.

Among the most common agents and infections that we can find in gyms and other sports facilities for collective use include:

1. Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungi. It can be contracted when walking barefoot around swimming pools, as well as in showers and locker rooms. It is characterized by cracked, scaly skin between the toes or on the sides of the feet, although in some cases the symptoms can be a little more severe.

2. Influenza

The cold and flu virus can survive on contaminated skin and surfaces for as little as 3 to 4 hours. This means that any shared gym where equipment is used regularly, such as exercise bike handlebars, treadmill keyboards, free weights, among others, can harbor the virus that causes the cold or flu.

3. Staphylococcus aureus
Staph is a bacteria that lives on the skin and in the nose of people who carry it. They are spread by contact with the skin of a person who has this infection. These germs can be found on towels or exercise machines and can cause skin infections.

4. VPH

Human papillomavirus can cause plantar warts. It is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact or by walking barefoot in baths and showers. Plantar warts are small, cauliflower-like lesions that appear on the soles of the feet. The warts are often uncomfortable and can grow into the foot causing severe pain.

5. Streptococcus

These bacteria are extremely contagious and can be transmitted through skin contact or exercise equipment and can cause pharyngitis as well as skin infections and blisters.

6. E. coli and Hepatitis A

It is a bacteria and a virus that are transmitted by the fecal-oral route. If someone doesn't wash their hands after using the bathroom or doesn't wash them properly, the germs can spread to the next person who touches the bathroom utensils. These pathogens can cause cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

An adequate and effective cleaning and disinfection plan in the facilities is a fundamental tool in the fight against communicable diseases, avoiding the presence of biological agents such as viruses, fungi and bacteria and their propagation.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this cleaning and disinfection plan, Altol Dominicana has designed a protocol for the evaluation and verification of the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the facilities, a pioneer in the country, thus guaranteeing the innocuous use of the facilities by clients and users.

The performance of our specialized technicians during the inspection goes beyond a mere visual inspection of the cleanliness of the facilities, taking a series of samples both environmental and surfaces considered critical. Using advanced technologies and after treatment in our laboratory, we will obtain results that will detail a complete evaluation report of the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the different areas and the effectiveness of the disinfection carried out in them, allowing us to take, if necessary, the appropriate corrective measures and ensuring the health and comfort of users.

By Roberto Martínez Sillas
Microbiologist and Industrial Hygienist