Staphylococcal contamination of mattresses and blankets on a surgical ward under nonepidemic conditions

A Comprehensive View of Microbial Communities in the Laundering Cycle Suggests a Preventive Effect of Soil Bacteria on Malodour Formation

Microorganisms are an important factor in the wash-and-use cycle of textiles since they can cause unwanted aesthetic effects, such as malodour formation, and even pose health risks. In this regard, a comprehensive view of the microbial communities in washing machines and consideration of the microbial contamination of used textiles is needed to understand the formation of malodour and evaluate the infection risk related to laundering. So far, neither the compositions of washing machine biofilms leading to the formation of or protection against malodour have been investigated intensively, nor have microbial communities on used towels been analysed after normal use. Our results link the qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial communities in washing machines and on used towels with the occurrence of malodour and thus not only allow for a better risk evaluation but also suggest bacterial colonizers of washing machines that might prevent malodour formation. It was shown that soil bacteria such as Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, Bosea, and Microbacterium in particular are found in non-odourous machines, and that Rhizobium species are able to prevent malodour formation in an in vitro model.

Laundry hygiene-how to get more than clean

Although laundering should mainly remove stains and dirt from used and worn textiles, the elimination of microbial contamination is an important aim of the laundry process as well. While industrial and institutional laundering employs standardized processes using high temperatures (i.e. 60°C and above) and bleaching agents to ensure a sufficient hygienic reconditioning of textiles, domestic laundering processes are less defined and not always led by purposeful aims. The strive for energy efficiency of household appliances has resulted in a decrease in washing temperatures in Europe during the last decades and convenience aspects led to an increased use of liquid detergents that do not contain bleach which in turn impacts the antimicrobial efficacy of domestic laundering. This review compiles the different factors that influence the input and removal of micro-organisms in the laundering process and discusses the possible adverse effects of microbial contaminants in the washing machine and on the textiles as well as suitable counteractions.

Observations on the distribution of Staphylococcus aureus in the atmosphere of a surgical ward

The environment of two contiguous surgical wards was examined over a period of twelve months by means of a slit sampler, settle plates and blanket sweep plates. At the same time, nasal swabs were taken each week from the patients and all cases of sepsis examined bacteriologically.

Phage typing of more than 3600 isolations ofStaph. aureusshowed that there was one predominant strain in the air, bedding, patients' noses and infected wounds.

There was no relationship between the total number of bacteria in the ward air and the numbers ofStaph. aureus.

The recovery of large numbers ofStaph. aureusfrom the air at certain periods was associated with a high contamination rate in the blankets and with an increased incidence of staphylococcal sepsis.

Not all nasal carriers ofStaph. aureuscontaminated their bedding. There was evidence that some patients became nasal carriers of strains of staphylococci previously isolated from their bedding.

Some evidence was obtained that blankets may play a role in the transmission of staphylococci from patient to patient.

This work was supported by a grant from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Our thanks are due to Mrs Elisabeth Bradshaw for her technical assistance and to Prof. John Loewenthal for his interest and for permission to study his wards.