Microorganisms from hands of traditional Chinese medical doctors in a central hospital environment

Abstract

In a central hospital, the heavy clinical workload makes one to overlook its hazard to health and can to a large extent promote the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. It is not uncommon however, to observe practices that deviate from normal standards of hygiene. Hand contact between doctors of TCM and patients may lead to nosocomial infections. Materials and Methods: Samples were sourced and collected from hands of TCM doctors in a central hospital. The fungal isolates were identified by colonial morphology and microscopic examination. Sensitivity test were performed on each of the identified isolates using the Multiple Disc Diffusion method. Results: A total of 265 samples were collected from the fingers, palm and back of hands of TCM doctors. Seven organisms were isolated, with S. aureus being the most common bacterium with frequency of 55.9% in the hospital environment. Other bacteria isolated included P. aeruginosa, E. coli and K. aerogenes. S. cerevisae was the most common fungus isolated with frequency of 61.8%. Fungi isolated included P. chrysogenum and A. niger. Conclusion:The study showed clearly that hand contact between TCM doctors and patients may lead to infection of exposed susceptible patients. Results of antibiotic susceptibility pattern show that isolates in this study are mostly resistant to augmentin and most antibiotics of old generation, while gentamycin and pefloxacin were highly active against most of isolates. Considering the possibility of transmission of contamination, special attention should be directed towards disinfection of TCM doctors' hands.

How often are health care personnel hands colonized with multidrug- resistant organisms? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Seventeen (28.8%) studies tested for P aeruginosa on HCP hands, with a total of 2,477 samples collected. A pooled prevalence of 4.59% (95% CI, 1.54-8.89) was observed for this pathogen across these studies, 37,45,48,51,52,58,60,62,66,67,69,74,75,81,84,89,94 with a high level of heterogeneity observed (I 2 = 93.4%; P < .001). Two of these studies reported a 0% prevalence.…”

“…Twenty (33.9%) of the studies were performed after sampling HCP hands on general wards, 38,[42][43][44]47,48,51,55,56,61,67,71,73,74,77,78,85,86,89,92 42,44,46,56,60,[62][63][64]71,72,77,82,85 swab was used in 7 (11.9%), 38,47,49,65,73,75,86 and subungual scraping was used in 1 (1.7%). 61 One study did not specify a collection method.…”

“…Two of these studies reported a 0% prevalence. 66,75 Regarding geography, 12 studies were conducted in Asia, 37,48,52,58,60,66,67,74,75,81,84,94 2 in North America, 45,51 2 in Europe, 69,89 and 1 in South America. 62 Seven studies reported data from the ICU, 45,48,52,58,60,69,75 6 from the mixed inpatient group, 37,62,66,81,84,94 5 from general wards, 48,51,67,74,89 and none from nursing facilities.…”

“…66,75 Regarding geography, 12 studies were conducted in Asia, 37,48,52,58,60,66,67,74,75,81,84,94 2 in North America, 45,51 2 in Europe, 69,89 and 1 in South America. 62 Seven studies reported data from the ICU, 45,48,52,58,60,69,75 6 from the mixed inpatient group, 37,62,66,81,84,94 5 from general wards, 48,51,67,74,89 and none from nursing facilities. Subgroup analysis was limited to care setting comparing the ICU vs the general ward plus mixed inpatient group, which showed statistically similar rates of P aeruginosa carriage at 5.67% (CI, 0.11-16.75) and 3.93% (CI, 0.92-8.47) on HCP hands, respectively.…”

“…20 (33.9%) in an ICU setting,39,45,46,48,52,55,58-60,69-71, 75-77,82,83,87,91,95 19 (32.2%) in mixed inpatient settings,37,40,41,49,50,57,62,[64][65][66]68,72,[79][80][81]84,90,93,94 and 5 (8.5%) in nursing facilities 39,53,54,63,88. Regarding HCP activities performed at time of ,53, 54,58,68-70,78,79,81,87-89,91,92,95 moist swab (using sterile saline solution or nutrient broth) was used in 17 (28.9%),37,41,43,50,52,55,57,59,66,67,74,76,80,83,84,90,94 agar direct contact (plates or applicators with solid media) was used in 13 (22%),…”