Medical problems of performing artists
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Med Probl Perform Art · Dec 2023
Bacteria Found in Brasswind Instruments: Analyses Using Culture-Dependent Method and Culture-Independent 16 S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing Method.
In wind instrument performance, there is a constant contact between the player and the instrument, during which microorganisms in the mouth flora of the player are transferred into the instrument. The inner surface of the brass instruments provides the perfect environment for microorganisms to grow. As a result, players repeatedly interact with these micro-organisms during playing. In previous studies, different kinds of microorganisms were detected in brass instruments, some of which can carry serious health hazards. ⋯ According to the findings, brass instruments may harbor a wide variety of bacteria, some of which are potentially hazardous for the musicians' health, especially if their immune systems are compromised. These risks can be minimized by regularly cleaning and disinfecting the instrument, especially the mouthpiece and leadpipe, which are the areas harboring most of the microorganisms.