Bacteria contamination of touch surfaces in polish hospital wards

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study has been to evaluate the pathogenic bacteria contamination of touch surfaces in hospital wards. Material and Methods: Samples were taken from frequently touched surfaces in the hospital environment in 13 units of various types. Culturing was carried out on solid blood agar and in growth broth (tryptic soy broth -TSB). Species identification was performed using the analytical profile index (API) biochemical testing and confirmed with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) system. Results: The total of 161 samples were taken for the study. Fifty-two of them, after 24 h of culture on a solid medium, demonstrated bacterial growth and further 60 samples had growth after prior multiplication in TSB. Overall, 69.6% of samples exhibited growth of 19 bacterial species. Pathogenic species -representing indicator organisms of efficiency of hospital cleaning -was demonstrated by 21.4% of samples. Among them Acinetobacter spp., Enterocococci spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were identified. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were predominant. The proportion of various groups of bacteria significantly varied in respective hospitals, and in various types of wards. Disturbing observation is a large proportion of resistance of isolated CNS strains as a potential reservoir of resistance genes. Conclusions:The results show that touch surfaces in hospital units are contaminated by both potentially pathogenic and pathogenic bacterial species. In connection with the reported, also in Poland, frequent omission or incorrect execution of hand hygiene by hospital staff, and probably patients, touch surfaces still constitute important reservoir of pathogenic bacteria. Improving hand hygiene compliance of health-care workers with recommendations is necessary for increasing biological safety of hospital environment. Med Pr 2017;68(4):459-467

Bacteriological Monitoring of Inanimate Surfaces and Equipment in Some Referral Hospitals in Assiut City, Egypt

“…Multibacterial contamination of the environmental samples was estimated to be 11% [15]. This agrees with this study (7% polymicrobial).…”

“…Pathogenic species—representing indicator organisms of efficiency of hospital cleaning—was demonstrated by 21.4% of samples; among them, Acinetobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were identified. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were predominant [15].…”

Factors Shaping Attitudes of Medical Staff towards Acceptance of the Standard Precautions

“…Failure to comply with the precautions requirements, including hand hygiene, can result in the transmission of pathogens and also the contamination of the touch surfaces of hospital wards. The presence of microorganisms causing HAIs on the touch surfaces in patient zones has been confirmed in numerous studies, including Polish studies [6,7]. The traditional and modern methods of cleaning and disinfection serve to ensure a satisfactory level of hygiene in the hospital environment [6,8].…”

Patient as a Partner in Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention

“…It also means that more than half of patients may have been exposed to the transmission of infection during aseptic tasks. Różańska et al [ 16 ] demonstrated that hospital surfaces can be heavily colonized with microorganisms, and contact of HCWs’ hands with these surfaces results in their contamination and, consequently, the possibility of transferring microorganisms to the patient. However, HH only may be insufficient; for example, it has been shown that drying after washing hands is a necessary phase in pre-operative preparation.…”