Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumanniion computer interface surfaces of hospital wards and association with clinical isolates

Abstract

BackgroundComputer keyboards and mice are potential reservoirs of nosocomial pathogens, but routine disinfection for non-water-proof computer devices is a problem. With better hand hygiene compliance of health-care workers (HCWs), the impact of these potential sources of contamination on clinical infection needs to be clarified.MethodsThis study was conducted in a 1600-bed medical center of southern Taiwan with 47 wards and 282 computers. With education and monitoring program of hand hygiene for HCWs, the average compliance rate was 74% before our surveillance. We investigated the association of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, three leading hospital-acquired pathogens, from ward computer keyboards, mice and from clinical isolates in non-outbreak period by pulsed field gel electrophoresis and antibiogram.ResultsOur results revealed a 17.4% (49/282) contamination rate of these computer devices by S. aureus, Acinetobacter spp. or Pseudomonas spp. The contamination rates of MRSA and A. baumannii in the ward computers were 1.1% and 4.3%, respectively. No P. aeruginosa was isolated. All isolates from computers and clinical specimens at the same ward showed different pulsotypes. However, A. baumannii isolates on two ward computers had the same pulsotype.ConclusionWith good hand hygiene compliance, we found relatively low contamination rates of MRSA, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii on ward computer interface, and without further contribution to nosocomial infection. Our results suggested no necessity of routine culture surveillance in non-outbreak situation.

Difference in imipenem, meropenem, sulbactam, and colistin nonsusceptibility trends among three phenotypically undifferentiated Acinetobacter baumannii complex in a medical center in Taiwan, 1997–2007

“…Inorganic materials such as computer keyboards in the nursing station might play a role as potential reservoirs of these resistant pathogens. 20 Plasmid transfer of carbapenemase gene had also been reported. 21 The most worrisome finding was the emergence of nonsusceptibility in AGS 13TU.…”

Active efflux pump adeB is involved in multidrug resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii induced by antibacterial agents

“…An increasing drug resistance of A. baumannii to carbapenems has been demonstrated by the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, whose objective was to report antimicrobial susceptibility and pathogen occurrence data for >40,000 episodes of BSI in 72 medical centers representing 22 nations since January 1997 (7). The emergence of multidrug and pandrug-resistant A. baumannii has caused major threats to the infection control and treatment plans in clinical practices (8). According to our knowledge, drug resistance of A. baumannii is closely related with the application of antibacterial agents.…”

Comparison of PCR/Electron spray Ionization-Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometry versus Traditional Clinical Microbiology for active surveillance of organisms contaminating high-use surfaces in a burn intensive care unit, an orthopedic ward and healthcare workers

“…In our institution, an evaluation (by TCM) was made of protective lead garments at various sites, with only 5 of 182 samples positive for any bacteria, all normal skin flora; another assessment of computer keyboards/mice recovered S. aureus , Acinetobacter spp., or Pseudomonas spp. on 17% of tested surfaces [2,4]. One study demonstrated a majority of bedside charts in the ICU were contaminated with MDR bacteria [36].…”

“…Numerous reservoirs for epidemiologically significant organisms have been demonstrated in healthcare settings. These include high-use environmental surfaces, such as door handles and handrails; patient care items such as bedside tables, bedrails, and intravenous fluid (IV) pumps; healthcare provider protective clothing such as lead aprons; and plumbing structures including drains and faucet heads, and computer equipment, among many others [2-7]. Contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) during patient care is a mechanism for transient colonization in healthcare workers (HCW) after doffing PPE [8,9].…”