Bacterial Contamination of Musical Instruments in Music Education Students: Associations with User Microbiota and Routine Cleaning

Background: This study examined the relationship between microorganisms found on the hands, noses, and throats of music students and bacterial contamination on the wind and string instruments they use and evaluated the effect of cleaning on instrument contamination. Methods: This study included 34 students (19 flute and 15 string-instrument players). Swab samples were taken from participants’ hands, noses, and throats; from the mouthpieces, inner surfaces, and keys of the flutes; and from the fingerboards and bows of the string instruments. The effectiveness of the cleaning process was evaluated by comparing samples taken from the flutes after use and cleaning. The samples were examined using microbiological culture methods, and the isolated microorganisms were identified using VITEK MS matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In addition, the students’ participation in the orchestra and instrument-cleaning habits were evaluated. Results: Depending on the instrument type and sampling site, various associations were observed between bacteria on students’ hands and in their upper respiratory tracts and bacterial contamination on the instruments. As no fungal or mycobacterial growth was observed, contamination by these organisms could not be evaluated. Significant associations were identified between upper respiratory tract microbiota and instrument contamination in flute-playing students; following the cleaning process, pathogen growth was not detected, and microbiota growth was significantly reduced. Additionally, participation in an orchestra and habits of less frequent instrument cleaning were associated with pathogen colonization in the upper respiratory tract. Conclusions: Bacterial contamination varied by instrument type and sampled site. Routine flute cleaning was followed by marked reductions in detectable culture growth, particularly of commensal bacteria.