Dispersal of Staphylococcus Aureus by Patients and Surgical Staff

Bethune, D.W.; Blowers, Robert; Parker, M. T.; Pask, E.A.

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(65)91610-7

Cited by 89 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Men dispersed many more bacteria than women, confirming the results of Bethune et al (1965), Ayliffe, Babb & Collins (1973), Noble et al (1976) and several other workers. For both men and women, there was no significant difference between the number of bacteria or skin scales dispersed before and the number dispersed after showering, but there were very highly significant differences (P < 0001) between the numbers of bacteria and skin scales dispersed after showering and the number dispersed after application of the lotion (Figs.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Speers et al (1965) found that the number of bacteria dispersed increased for approximately 30 min in most people they examined. Bethune et al (1965) found that the number of Staphylococcus aureus dispersed increased in some people sometimes. Cleton, van der Mark & van Toorn (1968) found no consistent effect of showering on the dispersal of commensal bacteria, or of transient S. aureUs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The dispersal of bacteria and skin scales from the body after showering and after application of a skin lotion

Hall¹,

Mackintosh²,

Hoffman³

1986

J. Hyg.

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SUMMARYApplication of a skin lotion to the body after showering greatly reduced the number of bacteria and skin scales dispersed from 10 men and 10 women. This effect lasted for at least 4 h when surgical clothing was worn. The use of a skin lotion to reduce bacterial dispersal could provide a simple and inexpensive alternative to an ultraclean air system or uncomfortable operating clothing during surgery requiring these procedures.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The dispersal of bacteria and skin scales from the body after showering and after application of a skin lotion

Hall¹,

Mackintosh²,

Hoffman³

1986

J. Hyg.

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“…Some of these carry micro-organisms originating from the surface flora of the occupants (Davies & Noble, 1962;Clark, 1974). An increase in the dispersal of skin bacteria has been reported after a showerbath (Speers et al 1965;Bethune et al 1965), and a preliminary observation has shown this also happens after washing the hands (Meers, 1976). Because of the possibility that the washing of hands by medical and paramedical staff contributes to hospital infection, the shedding of bacteria and squames was investigated in a group of volunteers before and after washing in turn with bar soap and three surgical scrubs, and after rubbing with a spirit-based lotion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shedding of bacteria and skin squames after handwashing

Meers

Yeo

1978

J. Hyg.

104

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SUIvMMARYParticles released into the air by wringing the hands together were collected in a slit sampler before and after washing with bar soap, with three surgical scrubs, and after rubbing them with a spirit-based lotion. The particles were identified, their number estimated, those that bore bacteria counted, and the bacteria themselves classified. It was found that there was a significant increase, averaging 17-fold, in the number of particles carrying viable bacteria released after washing with soap. The increase in bacterial dissemination was suppressed if a surgical scrub was used in place of soap, or when the lotion was used without washing. The number of skin squames released increased by 18-fold or more after washing with soap or a surgical scrub, but not after using the lotion. This suggests that a surgical scrub should be used more widely in clinical practice, and that a spirit-based hand lotion might with advantage become a partial substitute for handwashing, particularly in areas where handwashing is frequent and iatrogenic coagulasenegative staphylococcal infection common.

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“…Aerial dispersal of bacteria was investigated in a test chamber measuring 71 x 82 x 193 cm similar to that described by Bethune et al (1965). The test chamber was disinfected with aerosolized ethanol (96 %) after each investigation and evacuated for 10 min.…”

Section: Clothingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since every human being carries an immense number of bacteria (Noble & Somerville, 1974), shedding from the upper respiratory tract, oral cavity, skin and hair of every person present in the operating-theatre will occur (Wells & Wells, 1936;Duguid & Wallace, 1948;Noble & Davies, 1965;Bethune et al 1965). Contamination of the air by these microorganisms is reduced by wearing a facemask, a cap and special clothing (Duguid & Wallace, 1948;Blowers & McCluskey, 1965, Bernard et al 1965Mitchell & Gamble, 1974).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%