An Italian survey on the microbiological safety of toys containing aqueous media

Aims The purpose of the present investigation is to fill the current gap in information regarding the microbiological quality of toys containing aqueous media and the related risks for users. Methods Over 18 years, a total of 491 sealed toys containing aqueous media were analysed using conventional microbial culture methods. In addition, molecular methods (PCR/nested RT-PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing) were employed to test for enteric viruses (enteroviruses and adenoviruses) in a subset of toys; subsequently, the infectivity of the positive samples was tested on cell cultures. Results Of the examined toys, 23.8% were noncompliant with the limits of the European guideline. The most frequently exceeded limits were those for Aerobic bacteria (84.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.9%). Other opportunistic bacterial species that were frequently detected were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Comamonas acidovorans. In a subset of 28 samples, adenovirus (25%) and enterovirus (11%) genome was also found to be present, although the samples with viral positivity did not show infectivity after inoculation on appropriate cell monolayers. Conclusions The results indicate a condition of microbial exposure related to the use of toys containing aqueous media. Significance and Impact of Study The investigation highlights the need for more stringent monitoring during the production, packaging and storage of toys containing aqueous matrices in order to safeguard children's health.