[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA, MRSE) in the nose, paranasal sinuses and sputum]

[Hygiene during otorhinolaryngological examinations : Prevention of nosocomial infections]

Awareness of the importance of working as aseptically as possible first emerged in the 19th century. In the meantime, there is an obligation to prevent transmission and further spread of pathogens, including adherence to the Infection Protection Act. Pathogens can also survive for a long time on inanimate surfaces, from where they can be transferred via the hands of personnel and thus lead to infections. Studies have shown that even contamination of untouched instruments after an otorhinolaryngological examination is not a rare occurrence. The Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) of the Robert Koch Institute gives recommendations for general hygiene measures (basic or standard hygiene). These must be adapted and implemented accordingly for the otorhinolaryngological examination. Due to the increasing development of resistance of nosocomial pathogens and the current pandemic, consistent implementation of these infection-prevention measures is important.

[Hygiene in otorhinolaryngology: Requirements and reality]

Considering the physiological contamination of skin and mucous membranes in the ear, nose, and throat region by facultative pathogen microorganisms, as well as the increase in multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO), it is mandatory that hygienic procedures be observed in ENT institutions, in order to prevent transmission of bacteria and infections in patients. General guidelines for hygiene in otorhinolaryngology are presented based on the recommendations published by the German Commission on Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO). These encompass hand hygiene, surface disinfection, and reprocessing of medical devices. The correct reprocessing of the various components of ENT treatment units (including endoscopes, water bearing systems) is reported. Although law requires and KRINKO recommends that manufacturers of medical devices publish instructions for reprocessing their products, these reprocessing recommendations are often insufficient. Manufacturers should thus be called upon to improve their recommendations. In this paper, the requirements for handling of ENT treatment units are compared with the observations made by the Public Health Department in 7 ENT clinics and 32 ENT practices in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, in 2014.