In a groundbreaking study published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), the alarming presence of microbial contamination on high-touch hospital surfaces takes centre stage. Despite adhering to recommended disinfection protocols, the research sheds light on the persistent challenge of reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and advocates for innovative strategies in surface disinfection.
THE UNSEEN MENACE: MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION DESPITE BEST PRACTICES
Microbial contamination on hospital surfaces poses a well-known risk in the transmission of HAIs, prompting the establishment of meticulous disinfection procedures. However, the study emphasizes that current best practices may fall short, especially for surfaces frequently touched by diverse individuals.
INSIGHTS FROM CENTRAL TEXAS VETERANS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Conducted at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, the study examined 400 surfaces, focusing on high-touch areas like simulation manikins, workstations, breakroom tables, bed rails, and nurse’s station keyboards. Astonishingly, all surfaces harboured bacteria, with manikins and bed rails showcasing the highest diversity of bacterial types.
MICROBIAL DIVERSITY: IDENTIFYING 60 DIFFERENT BACTERIA TYPES
The research identified 60 distinct bacteria types across all samples, including 18 known human pathogens. Common pathogens included Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella aerogenes. Some potentially pathogenic bacteria were associated with critical infections like central-line associated bloodstream infections, meningitis, and endocarditis.
RESEARCHER INSIGHTS: A CALL FOR IMPROVED INFECTION CONTROL
Piyali Chatterjee, PhD, Research Scientist at Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System and senior author, expressed frustration over the persistence of HAIs despite rigorous disinfection practices. The study highlights the bio burden on high-touch surfaces, even those not traditionally considered a risk.
WHICH AREAS OF THE HOSPITAL WOULD HAVE THE MOST POTENTIAL MICROBES?
Operating rooms: A study found that the mean number of bacterial colonies in operating rooms was 78 ± 47 cfu/m3. The mean number of colonies was highest for transplant surgery, followed by paediatric surgery.
Surgical wards: A study found that the highest mean bacterial colony number was reported in surgical wards at 48.8 cfu/cm2.
Floors: Floors are an important reservoir of human-associated microbiota.
Patient rooms: Nearly half of rooms tested positive for MRSA within the first 24 hours.
Other areas of the hospital may have more microbes, including:
Medicine: 95% of departments were positive for bacteria
Maternity: 92.5% of departments were positive for bacteria
Emergency: 87.5% of departments were positive for bacteria
