Microbiological contamination of cubicle curtains in an out‐patient podiatry clinic

Abstract

BackgroundExposure to potential pathogens on contaminated healthcare garments and curtains can occur through direct or indirect contact. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms present on podiatry clinic curtains and measure the contamination pre and post a standard hospital laundry process.MethodBaseline swabs were taken to determine colony counts present on cubical curtains before laundering. Curtains were swabbed again immediately after, one and three weeks post laundering. Total colony counts were calculated and compared to baseline, with identification of micro-organisms.ResultsTotal colony counts increased very slightly by 3% immediately after laundry, which was not statistically significant, and declined significantly (p = 0.0002) by 56% one-week post laundry. Three weeks post laundry colony counts had increased by 16%; although clinically relevant, this was not statistically significant. The two most frequent microorganisms present throughout were Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus and Micrococcus species. Laundering was not completely effective, as both species demonstrated no significant change following laundry.ConclusionThis work suggests current laundry procedures may not be 100% effective in killing all microorganisms found on curtains, although a delayed decrease in total colony counts was evident. Cubicle curtains may act as a reservoir for microorganisms creating potential for cross contamination. This highlights the need for additional cleaning methods to decrease the risk of cross infection and the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene.

An evaluation of the infection control potential of a UV clinical podiatry unit

“…The dominance of coagulase negative Staphylococcus and Micrococcus sp also agrees with observations from microbiological studies of podiatry cubicle curtains [6]. The presence of coagulase positive Staphylococci, (presumptive S. aureus ) albeit at significantly lower concentrations, indicates that airborne contamination does pose an infection risk.…”

The effect of low-temperature laundering and detergents on the survival ofEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureuson textiles used in healthcare uniforms

“… & Woodland et al . ). In a study conducted by Oller and Mitchell (), Egyptian cotton towels inoculated with S. aureus (10 8 ) postwash in water and a water and detergent solution resulted in a survival of between 2 log (10) and 3 log (10) , after 48 h, cells were still viable.…”

“…A study carried out by Woodland et al . () where immediately postlaundry hospital curtains (60% polyester/40% cotton) showed increased numbers of Micrococcus sp ., Bacillus sp ., E. coli and S. aureus only after 3 weeks postlaundering did microbial numbers decrease. Mcgovern et al .…”

“…Survival (log (10) ) of micro-organisms at different detergency treatment conditions study show, a biological detergent (does not contain bleach) used in a 40°C wash, resulted in the textiles still having contamination from a high initial inoculum ( Table 2). The ability of micro-organisms to survive on textile surfaces is not disputed, however, limited evidence exists surrounding the survival of micro-organisms in household detergents and postdomestic laundering of nurses' uniforms and how this impacts on cross-contamination of healthcare-associated infections (Neeley and Maley 2000;Oller and Mitchell 2009;Mcgovern et al 2010& Woodland et al 2010. In a study conducted by Oller and Mitchell (2009), Egyptian cotton towels inoculated with S. aureus (10 8 ) postwash in water and a water and detergent solution resulted in a survival of between 2 log (10) and 3 log (10) , after 48 h, cells were still viable.…”

“…Cotton absorbs moisture readily (MR 8Á5%) from a moderately humid environment (65% RH) and can aid the survival of micro-organisms, whereas polyester will retain little (MR 0Á4%) (Taylor 1990). A study carried out by Woodland et al (2010) where immediately postlaundry hospital curtains (60% polyester/40% cotton) showed increased numbers of Micrococcus sp., Bacillus sp., E. coli and S. aureus only after 3 weeks postlaundering did microbial numbers decrease. Mcgovern et al (2010) also demonstrated that ties worn by doctors were contaminated with S. aureus and Gram-negative bacilli, with more than half of the 95 participants never having laundered their tie demonstrating that micro-organisms can survive on textile items for long periods of time.…”