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Kearney A, Humphreys H, Fitzgerald-Hughes D. Infection prevention and control policy implementation for CPE: a cross-sectional national survey of healthcare workers reveals knowledge gaps and suboptimal practices. J Hosp Infect 2024; 145:148-154. [PMID: 38145813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, Ireland pioneered a unique response to the worsening epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), declaring a national public health emergency. Subsequently, CPE mitigation guidelines and policies were implemented in acute hospitals, focused on patient screening and outbreak management, often by healthcare workers (HCWs) with limited background in infection prevention and control (IPC). CPE risks from sinks and drains remain inadequately controlled. AIMS To compare CPE awareness, perceptions of the role of the environment in CPE transmission, and disposal practices of liquid waste from clinical handwashing sinks between IPC HCWs and non-IPC HCWs in Ireland. METHODS Between December 2022 and March 2023, HCWs employed in acute hospitals in Ireland between 2017 and 2022 were invited to participate anonymously in a 30-question digital survey. FINDINGS Responses (N=283) were received across several clinical disciplines. In total, 21.6% of respondents were working or had previously worked in IPC roles, 84.1% of whom reported no IPC-related learning needs. In comparison with non-IPC HCWs, more IPC HCWs perceived a risk of pathogen transmission from clean water plumbing (68.9% vs 39.2%; P<0.001) and waste/drainage plumbing (81.2% vs 43.7%; P<0.001). Among nursing and medical staff, only 5.6% of IPC HCWs used clinical handwashing sinks for disposal of liquid waste, compared with 60% of non-IPC HCWs (P<0.001). In comparison with non-IPC HCWs, a greater proportion of IPC HCWs reported that they had witnessed colleagues routinely discarding liquid waste (including nutritional products, antimicrobials and patient body fluids) via clinical handwashing sinks (88.9% vs 77.9%) CONCLUSIONS: Although there is general awareness of the role of the built environment in pathogen transmission, including CPE, familiarity with sink/water-related transmission is greater among IPC HCWs. There may be opportunities to improve disposal practices for liquid waste through education targeting non-IPC HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kearney
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D Fitzgerald-Hughes
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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2
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Moore G, Barry A, Carter J, Ready J, Wan Y, Elsayed M, Haill C, Khashu M, Williams OM, Brown CS, Demirjian A, Ready D. Detection, survival, and persistence of Staphylococcus capitis NRCS-A in neonatal units in England. J Hosp Infect 2023; 140:8-14. [PMID: 37487793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus capitis clone, NRCS-A, is increasingly associated with late-onset sepsis in low birthweight newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in England and globally. Understanding where this bacterium survives and persists within the NICU environment is key to developing and implementing effective control measures. AIM To investigate the potential for S. capitis to colonize surfaces within NICUs. METHODS Surface swabs were collected from four NICUs with and without known NRCS-A colonizations/infections present at the time of sampling. Samples were cultured and S. capitis isolates analysed via whole-genome sequencing. Survival of NRCS-A on plastic surfaces was assessed over time and compared to that of non-NRCS-A isolates. The bactericidal activity of commonly used chemical disinfectants against S. capitis was assessed. FINDINGS Of 173 surfaces sampled, 40 (21.1%) harboured S. capitis with 30 isolates (75%) being NRCS-A. Whereas S. capitis was recovered from surfaces across the NICU, the NRCS-A clone was rarely recovered from outside the immediate neonatal bedspace. Incubators and other bedside equipment were contaminated with NRCS-A regardless of clinical case detection. In the absence of cleaning, S. capitis was able to survive for three days with minimal losses in viability (<0.5 log10 reduction). Sodium troclosene and a QAC-based detergent/disinfectant reduced S. capitis to below detectable levels. CONCLUSION S. capitis NRCS-A can be readily recovered from the NICU environment, even in units with no recent reported clinical cases of S. capitis infection, highlighting a need for appropriate national guidance on cleaning within the neonatal care environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Moore
- UK Health Security Agency, UK.
| | - A Barry
- UK Health Security Agency, UK
| | | | - J Ready
- UK Health Security Agency, UK
| | - Y Wan
- UK Health Security Agency, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Elsayed
- Royal United Hospital, Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK; Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - C Haill
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - M Khashu
- University Hospitals Dorset, Poole, UK
| | - O M Williams
- UK Health Security Agency, UK; Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - C S Brown
- UK Health Security Agency, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Demirjian
- UK Health Security Agency, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Ready
- UK Health Security Agency, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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3
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Microbial burden on environmental surfaces in patient rooms before daily cleaning-Analysis of multiple confounding variables. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:1142-1146. [PMID: 34396941 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Estimated levels of microbial burden on hospital environmental surfaces vary substantially among published studies. Cultures obtained during a cluster-controlled crossover trial of a quaternary ammonium (Quat) disinfectant versus an improved hydrogen peroxide (IHP) disinfectant provided additional data on the amount of microbial burden on selected surfaces. METHODS RODAC plates containing D/E neutralizing agar were used to sample a convenience sample of 5-8 high-touch surfaces in patient rooms on 2 medical wards, an intensive care unit, and a step-down unit at a large hospital. Before routine daily cleaning, samples were obtained in varying rooms over an 11-month period. RODAC plates (1 per surface sampled) were incubated for 72 hours, and aerobic colony counts per plate (ACCs) were determined. Statistical analysis was used to determine the potential impact on ACCs of study period, cleaning compliance rate, disinfectant used, ward, surface sampled, and isolation room status. RESULTS Overall, 590 cultures were obtained on Quat wards and 589 on IHP wards. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that mean ACCs differed significantly by site (P < .001), type of ward (P < .001), isolation room status (P = .039), and study period (P = .036). The highest mean ACCs per RODAC plate were on toilet seats (112.8), bedside rails (92.0), and bathroom grab bars (79.5). CONCLUSIONS The combination of factors analyzed revealed that estimating microbial burden is complex and is affected by multiple factors. Additional studies should evaluate individual sites, ward types, cleaning and disinfection practices, and isolation room status.
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Pada SKMS, Lishi P, Ng KS, Rethenam S, Alenton LS, Chee PL, Guo W, Hsann YM, Cheng CWR, Ong CH, Lasantha R, Chan D, Tambyah PA. The impact of a 'milking the COW' campaign in a regional hospital in Singapore. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:81. [PMID: 34022947 PMCID: PMC8141142 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Computerisation of various processes in hospitals and reliance on electronic devices raises the concern of contamination of these devices from the patient environment. We undertook this study to determine if an attached hand hygiene device that unlocks the screen of a computer on wheels (COW) on usage can be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards. Methods An electronic hand sanitizer was integrated onto the COW. A prospective cohort study with a crossover design involving 2 control and 2 intervention wards was used. The study end point was the number of colony forming units found on the keyboards. Bacteria were classified into 4 main groups; pathogenic, skin flora, from the environment or those thought to be commensals in healthy individuals. We then used a mixed effects model for the statistical analysis to determine if there were any differences before and after the intervention. Results Thirty-nine keyboards were swabbed at baseline, day 7 and 14, with 234 keyboards cultured, colony forming units (CFUs) counted and organisms isolated. By mixed model analysis, the difference of mean bacteria count between intervention and control for week 1 was 32.74 (− 32.74, CI − 94.29 to 28.75, p = 0.29), for week 2 by 155.86 (− 155.86, CI − 227.45 to − 83.53, p < 0.0001), and after the 2-week period by 157.04 (− 157.04, CI − 231.53 to − 82.67, p < 0.0001). In the sub-analysis, there were significant differences of pathogenic bacteria counts for the Intervention as compared to the Control in contrast with commensal counts. Conclusion A hand hygiene device attached to a COW may be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00948-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surinder Kaur M S Pada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, 1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore, 609606, Singapore.
| | - Poh Lishi
- Infection Control, Department of Nursing, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kim Sim Ng
- Infection Control, Department of Nursing, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sarathamani Rethenam
- Infection Control, Department of Nursing, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Poh Ling Chee
- Infection Control, Department of Nursing, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilma Guo
- Department of Epidemiology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yin Maw Hsann
- Department of Epidemiology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carmen Wan Rong Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chiou Horng Ong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ratnayake Lasantha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Douglas Chan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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5
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Tanner WD, Leecaster MK, Zhang Y, Stratford KM, Mayer J, Visnovsky LD, Alhmidi H, Cadnum JL, Jencson AL, Koganti S, Bennett CP, Donskey CJ, Noble-Wang J, Reddy SC, Rose LJ, Watson L, Ide E, Wipperfurth T, Safdar N, Arasim M, Macke C, Roman P, Krein SL, Loc-Carrillo C, Samore MH. Environmental Contamination of Contact Precaution and Non-Contact Precaution Patient Rooms in Six Acute Care Facilities. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:S8-S16. [PMID: 33512527 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental contamination is an important source of hospital multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission. Factors such as patient MDRO contact precautions (CP) status, patient proximity to surfaces, and unit type likely influence MDRO contamination and bacterial bioburden levels on patient room surfaces. Identifying factors associated with environmental contamination in patient rooms and on shared unit surfaces could help identify important environmental MDRO transmission routes. METHODS Surfaces were sampled from MDRO CP and non-CP rooms, nursing stations, and mobile equipment in acute care, intensive care, and transplant units within 6 acute care hospitals using a convenience sampling approach blinded to cleaning events. Precaution rooms had patients with clinical or surveillance tests positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae or Acinetobacter within the previous 6 months, or Clostridioides difficile toxin within the past 30 days. Rooms not meeting this definition were considered non-CP rooms. Samples were cultured for the above MDROs and total bioburden. RESULTS Overall, an estimated 13% of rooms were contaminated with at least 1 MDRO. MDROs were detected more frequently in CP rooms (32% of 209 room-sample events) than non-CP rooms (12% of 234 room-sample events). Surface bioburden did not differ significantly between CP and non-CP rooms or MDRO-positive and MDRO-negative rooms. CONCLUSIONS CP room surfaces are contaminated more frequently than non-CP room surfaces; however, contamination of non-CP room surfaces is not uncommon and may be an important reservoir for ongoing MDRO transmission. MDRO contamination of non-CP rooms may indicate asymptomatic patient MDRO carriage, inadequate terminal cleaning, or cross-contamination of room surfaces via healthcare personnel hands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Windy D Tanner
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Molly K Leecaster
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kristina M Stratford
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jeanmarie Mayer
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lindsay D Visnovsky
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Heba Alhmidi
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer L Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Annette L Jencson
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sreelatha Koganti
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Christina P Bennett
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Sujan C Reddy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura J Rose
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren Watson
- William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emma Ide
- William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Nasia Safdar
- William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maria Arasim
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Colleen Macke
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Patti Roman
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sarah L Krein
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Catherine Loc-Carrillo
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Matthew H Samore
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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6
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Moore G, Rickard H, Stevenson D, Aranega-Bou P, Pitman J, Crook A, Davies K, Spencer A, Burton C, Easterbrook L, Love HE, Summers S, Welch SR, Wand N, Thompson KA, Pottage T, Richards KS, Dunning J, Bennett A. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 within the healthcare environment: a multi-centre study conducted during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in England. J Hosp Infect 2021; 108:189-196. [PMID: 33259882 PMCID: PMC7831847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spread within the hospital setting is essential in order to protect staff, implement effective infection control measures, and prevent nosocomial transmission. METHODS The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air and on environmental surfaces around hospitalized patients, with and without respiratory symptoms, was investigated. Environmental sampling was undertaken within eight hospitals in England during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. Samples were analysed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation assays. FINDINGS SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on 30 (8.9%) of 336 environmental surfaces. Cycle threshold values ranged from 28.8 to 39.1, equating to 2.2 x 105 to 59 genomic copies/swab. Concomitant bacterial counts were low, suggesting that the cleaning performed by nursing and domestic staff across all eight hospitals was effective. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in four of 55 air samples taken <1 m from four different patients. In all cases, the concentration of viral RNA was low and ranged from <10 to 460 genomic copies/m3 air. Infectious virus was not recovered from any of the PCR-positive samples analysed. CONCLUSIONS Effective cleaning can reduce the risk of fomite (contact) transmission, but some surface types may facilitate the survival, persistence and/or dispersal of SARS-CoV-2. The presence of low or undetectable concentrations of viral RNA in the air supports current guidance on the use of specific personal protective equipment for aerosol-generating and non-aerosol-generating procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Moore
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK.
| | - H Rickard
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - D Stevenson
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - P Aranega-Bou
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - J Pitman
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - A Crook
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - K Davies
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - A Spencer
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - C Burton
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - L Easterbrook
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - H E Love
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - S Summers
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - S R Welch
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - N Wand
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - K-A Thompson
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - T Pottage
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - K S Richards
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - J Dunning
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Bennett
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
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7
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Madsen AM, Phan HUT, Laursen M, White JK, Uhrbrand K. Evaluation of Methods for Sampling of Staphylococcus aureus and Other Staphylococcus Species from Indoor Surfaces. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:1020-1034. [PMID: 32968799 PMCID: PMC7750978 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an increasing public and occupational health concern. As transmission of MRSA can occur via contact with fomites, it is crucial to have sensitive methods for sampling of bacteria. The overall aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about methods and strategies for quantitative sampling Staphylococcus species on surfaces. Methods The study was designed as a comparative sampling experiment with different samplers [dipslide (two agar types), swabs (three brands, used wet and dry, and elution from swabs or plate diluted)] on smooth stainless steel surfaces spiked with MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Furthermore, bacteria sampled from indoor surfaces with frequent or infrequent contact with hands were quantified and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Results Pre-moistened swabs in combination with dilution plating and dipslides were more sensitive than dry swabs. For recovery of MRSA and MSSA from surfaces with eSwabs, at least 0.3–100 CFU MRSA cm−2 and 5.3–8.6 CFU MSSA cm−2 should be present. The sensitivities of pre-moistened eSwabs were approximately 10-fold higher than those of dipslides and pre-moistened viscose and cotton swabs. The variation in concentrations of Staphylococcus species in replicate sampling of adjacent squares on indoor surfaces was higher for surfaces frequently touched by hands than for surfaces infrequently touched. In total 16 different Staphylococcus species were identified, and S. aureus was found only in 2 of 66 surface samples. A considerable overlap was found between species in replicate sampling within an environment and between the air and surfaces within an environment. Conclusions Pre-moistened eSwabs in combination with dilution plating were found to be the best method for surface sampling of MSSA and MRSA. The method can be used for assessing the risk of exposure and transmission of MRSA from environmental surfaces. To obtain a reliable measure of concentrations and the presence of Staphylococccus species a higher number of samples should be taken from surfaces with hand contact than from surfaces dominated by sedimented bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Hoang U T Phan
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Mathias Laursen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - John K White
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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8
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Rawlinson S, Ciric L, Cloutman-Green E. How to carry out microbiological sampling of healthcare environment surfaces? A review of current evidence. J Hosp Infect 2019; 103:363-374. [PMID: 31369807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the hospital surface environment contributes to the spread of pathogens. However, evidence on how best to sample these surfaces is inconsistent and there is no guidance or legislation in place on how to do this. The aim of this review was to assess current literature on surface sampling methodologies, including the devices used, processing methods, and the environmental and biological factors that might influence results. Studies published prior to March 2019 were selected using relevant keywords from ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed. Abstracts were reviewed and all data-based studies in peer-reviewed journals in the English language were included. Microbiological air and water sampling in the hospital environment were not included. Although the numbers of cells or virions recovered from hospital surface environments were generally low, the majority of surfaces sampled were microbiologically contaminated. Of the organisms detected, multidrug-resistant organisms and clinically significant pathogens were frequently isolated and could, therefore, present a risk to vulnerable patients. Great variation was found between methods and the available data were incomplete and incomparable. Available literature on sampling methods demonstrated deficits with potential improvements for future research. Many of the studies included in the review were laboratory-based and not undertaken in the real hospital environment where sampling recoveries could be affected by the many variables present in a clinical environment. It was therefore difficult to draw overall conclusions; however, some recommendations for the design of routine protocols for surface sampling of healthcare environments can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rawlinson
- University College London, Chadwick Building, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, London, UK
| | - L Ciric
- University College London, Chadwick Building, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, London, UK
| | - E Cloutman-Green
- University College London, Chadwick Building, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, London, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Camiliar Botnar Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, London, UK.
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Boyle MA, Kearney A, Carling PC, Humphreys H. 'Off the rails': hospital bed rail design, contamination, and the evaluation of their microbial ecology. J Hosp Infect 2019; 103:e16-e22. [PMID: 31229570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microbial contamination of the near-patient environment is an acknowledged reservoir for nosocomial pathogens. The hospital bed and specifically bed rails have been shown to be frequently and heavily contaminated in observational and interventional studies. Whereas the complexity of bed rail design has evolved over the years, the microbial contamination of these surfaces has been incompletely evaluated. In many published studies, key design variables are not described, compromising the extrapolation of results to other settings. This report reviews the evolving structure of hospital beds and bed rails, the possible impact of different design elements on microbial contamination and their role in pathogen transmission. Our findings support the need for clearly defined standardized assessment protocols to accurately assess bed rail and similar patient zone surface levels of contamination, as part of environmental hygiene investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Boyle
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - A Kearney
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P C Carling
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Carney Hospital and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - H Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Ide N, Frogner BK, LeRouge CM, Vigil P, Thompson M. What's on your keyboard? A systematic review of the contamination of peripheral computer devices in healthcare settings. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026437. [PMID: 30852549 PMCID: PMC6429971 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the extent and type of microbial contamination of computer peripheral devices used in healthcare settings, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce contamination of these devices and establish the risk of patient and healthcare worker infection from contaminated devices. DESIGN Systematic review METHODS: We searched four online databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Scopus for articles reporting primary data collection on contamination of computer-related equipment (including keyboards, mice, laptops and tablets) and/or studies demonstrating the effectiveness of a disinfection technique. Pooling of contamination rates was conducted where possible, and narrative synthesis was used to describe the rates of device contamination, types of bacterial and viral contamination, effectiveness of interventions and any associations between device contamination and human infections. RESULTS Of the 4432 records identified, a total of 75 studies involving 2804 computer devices were included. Of these, 50 studies reported contamination of computer-related hardware, and 25 also measured the effects of a decontamination intervention. The overall proportion of contamination ranged from 24% to 100%. The most common microbial contaminants were skin commensals, but also included potential pathogens including methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, Clostridiumdifficile, vancomycin-resistantenterococci and Escherichia coli. Interventions demonstrating effective decontamination included wipes/pads using isopropyl alcohol, quaternary ammonium, chlorhexidine or dipotassium peroxodisulfate, ultraviolet light emitting devices, enhanced cleaning protocols and chlorine/bleach products. However, results were inconsistent, and there was insufficient data to demonstrate comparative effectiveness. We found little evidence on the link between device contamination and patient/healthcare worker colonisation or infection. CONCLUSIONS Computer keyboards and peripheral devices are frequently contaminated; however, our findings do not allow us to draw firm conclusions about their relative impact on the transmission of pathogens or nosocomial infection. Additional studies measuring the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections from computer hardware, the relative risk they pose to healthcare and evidence for effective and practical cleaning methods are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ide
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bianca K Frogner
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cynthia M LeRouge
- Department of Information Systems & Business Analytics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick Vigil
- Family Medicine, Pacific Northwest University, Yakima, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew Thompson
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Transfer of dry surface biofilm in the healthcare environment: the role of healthcare workers' hands as vehicles. J Hosp Infect 2018; 100:e85-e90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Increased environmental sample area and recovery ofClostridium difficilespores from hospital surfaces by quantitative PCR and enrichment culture. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018; 39:917-923. [DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveClostridium difficilespores play an important role in transmission and can survive in the environment for several months. Optimal methods for measuring environmentalC. difficileare unknown. We sought to determine whether increased sample surface area improved detection ofC. difficilefrom environmental samples.SettingSamples were collected from 12 patient rooms in a tertiary-care hospital in Toronto, Canada.MethodsSamples represented small surface-area and large surface-area floor and bedrail pairs from single-bed rooms of patients with low (without prior antibiotics), medium (with prior antibiotics), and high (C. difficileinfected) shedding risk. Presence ofC. difficilein samples was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with targets on the 16S rRNA and toxin B genes and using enrichment culture.ResultsOf the 48 samples, 64·6% were positive by 16S qPCR (geometric mean, 13·8 spores); 39·6% were positive by toxin B qPCR (geometric mean, 1·9 spores); and 43·8% were positive by enrichment culture. By 16S qPCR, each 10-fold increase in sample surface area yielded 6·6 times (95% CI, 3·2–13) more spores. Floor surfaces yielded 27 times (95% CI, 4·9–181) more spores than bedrails, and rooms ofC. difficile–positive patients yielded 11 times (95% CI, 0·55–164) more spores than those of patients without prior antibiotics. Toxin B qPCR and enrichment culture returned analogous findings.ConclusionsClostridium difficilespores were identified in most floor and bedrail samples, and increased surface area improved detection. Future research aiming to understand the role of environmentalC. difficilein transmission should prefer samples with large surface areas.
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Pre–post evaluation of effects of a titanium dioxide coating on environmental contamination of an intensive care unit: the TITANIC study. J Hosp Infect 2018; 99:256-262. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Wille I, Mayr A, Kreidl P, Brühwasser C, Hinterberger G, Fritz A, Posch W, Fuchs S, Obwegeser A, Orth-Höller D, Lass-Flörl C. Cross-sectional point prevalence survey to study the environmental contamination of nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units under real-life conditions. J Hosp Infect 2017; 98:90-95. [PMID: 28964884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In intensive care units (ICUs), inanimate surfaces and equipment may be contaminated by nosocomial pathogens, including multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms. AIMS To assess the degree of environmental contamination close to and distant from patients, and contamination of healthcare workers' (HCWs) hands with nosocomial pathogens under real-life conditions and to investigate potential transmission events. METHODS Over the course of three weeks, agar contact samples were taken close to and distant from patient areas and from HCWs' hands in eight ICUs of a tertiary care hospital in Innsbruck, Austria. Each ICU was visited once without announcement. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed according to standard methods, and corresponding strains from patient, environment and hand samples were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. FINDINGS Among 523 samples, HCWs' hands were most frequently contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria (15.2%), followed by areas close to patients (10.9%) and areas distant from patients (9.1%). Gram-positive bacteria were identified most often (67.8%), with Enterococcus spp. being the most prevalent species (70% vancomycin sensitive and 30% vancomycin resistant) followed by Staphylococcus aureus, of which 64% were classified as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular typing documented identical strains among patient, environment and hand isolates. CONCLUSION This study found widespread contamination of the ICU environment with clinically relevant pathogens, including multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms, despite cleaning and disinfection. The bioburden might not be restricted to areas close to patients. The role of extended environmental disinfection of areas distant from patients in order to improve infection prevention needs further discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Wille
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Mayr
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - P Kreidl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - C Brühwasser
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - G Hinterberger
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Fritz
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - W Posch
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S Fuchs
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Obwegeser
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - D Orth-Höller
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - C Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Invasive Fungal Infections, Innsbruck, Austria
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Evaluating Isolation Behaviors by Nurses Using Mobile Computer Workstations at the Bedside. Comput Inform Nurs 2017; 34:387-92. [PMID: 27232856 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This secondary analysis from a larger mixed methods study with a sequential explanatory design investigates the clinical challenges for nurses providing patient care, in an airborne and contact isolation room, while using a computer on wheels for medication administration in a simulated setting. Registered nurses, who regularly work in clinical care at the patient bedside, were recruited as study participants in the simulation and debriefing experience. A live volunteer acted as the standardized patient who needed assessment and intravenous pain medication. The simulation was video recorded in a typical hospital room to observe participating nurses conducting patient care in an airborne and contact isolation situation. Participants then reviewed their performance with study personnel in a formal, audio-recorded debriefing. Isolation behaviors were scored by an expert panel, and the debriefing sessions were analyzed. Considerable variation was found in behaviors related to using a computer on wheels while caring for a patient in isolation. Currently, no nursing care guidelines exist on the use of computers on wheels in an airborne and contact isolation room. Specific education is needed on nursing care processes for the proper disinfection of computers on wheels and the reduction of the potential for disease transmission from environmental contamination.
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Assessment of the Overall and Multidrug-Resistant Organism Bioburden on Environmental Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016; 37:1426-1432. [PMID: 27619507 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2016.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the typical microbial bioburden (overall bacterial and multidrug-resistant organisms [MDROs]) on high-touch healthcare environmental surfaces after routine or terminal cleaning. DESIGN Prospective 2.5-year microbiological survey of large surface areas (>1,000 cm2). SETTING MDRO contact-precaution rooms from 9 acute-care hospitals and 2 long-term care facilities in 4 states. PARTICIPANTS Samples from 166 rooms (113 routine cleaned and 53 terminal cleaned rooms). METHODS Using a standard sponge-wipe sampling protocol, 2 composite samples were collected from each room; a third sample was collected from each Clostridium difficile room. Composite 1 included the TV remote, telephone, call button, and bed rails. Composite 2 included the room door handle, IV pole, and overbed table. Composite 3 included toileting surfaces. Total bacteria and MDROs (ie, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci [VRE], Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and C. difficile) were quantified, confirmed, and tested for drug resistance. RESULTS The mean microbial bioburden and range from routine cleaned room composites were higher (2,700 colony-forming units [CFU]/100 cm2; ≤1-130,000 CFU/100 cm2) than from terminal cleaned room composites (353 CFU/100 cm2; ≤1-4,300 CFU/100 cm2). MDROs were recovered from 34% of routine cleaned room composites (range ≤1-13,000 CFU/100 cm2) and 17% of terminal cleaned room composites (≤1-524 CFU/100 cm2). MDROs were recovered from 40% of rooms; VRE was the most common (19%). CONCLUSIONS This multicenter bioburden summary provides a first step to determining microbial bioburden on healthcare surfaces, which may help provide a basis for developing standards to evaluate cleaning and disinfection as well as a framework for studies using an evidentiary hierarchy for environmental infection control. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1426-1432.
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Whiteley GS, Knight JL, Derry CW, Jensen SO, Vickery K, Gosbell IB. A pilot study into locating the bad bugs in a busy intensive care unit. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:1270-5. [PMID: 26654232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The persistence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) within an intensive care unit (ICU) possibly contained within dry surface biofilms, remains a perplexing confounder and is a threat to patient safety. Identification of residential locations of MDRO within the ICU is an intervention for which new scientific approaches may assist in finding potential MDRO reservoirs. METHOD This study investigated a new approach to sampling using a more aggressive environmental swabbing technique of high-touch objects (HTOs) and surfaces, aided by 2 commercially available adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminometers. RESULTS A total of 13 individual MDRO locations identified in this pilot study. The use of ATP bioluminometers was significantly associated with the identification of 12 of the 13 individual MDRO locations. The MDRO recovery and readings from the 2 ATP bioluminometers were not significantly correlated with distinct cutoffs for each ATP device, and there was no correlation between the 2 ATP devices. CONCLUSION The specific MDRO locations were not limited to the immediate patient surroundings or to any specific HTO or type of surface. The use of ATP testing helped rapidly identify the soiled locations for MDRO sampling. The greatest density of positive MDRO locations was around and within the clinical staff work station.
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Prevention and control of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: recommendations from a Joint Working Party. J Hosp Infect 2015; 92 Suppl 1:S1-44. [PMID: 26598314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Roques C, Al Mousa H, Duse A, Gallagher R, Koburger T, Lingaas E, Petrosillo N, Škrlin J. Consensus statement: patient safety, healthcare-associated infections and hospital environmental surfaces. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:1629-34. [PMID: 26437762 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections have serious implications for both patients and hospitals. Environmental surface contamination is the key to transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Routine manual cleaning and disinfection eliminates visible soil and reduces environmental bioburden and risk of transmission, but may not address some surface contamination. Automated area decontamination technologies achieve more consistent and pervasive disinfection than manual methods, but it is challenging to demonstrate their efficacy within a randomized trial of the multiple interventions required to reduce healthcare-associated infection rates. Until data from multicenter observational studies are available, automated area decontamination technologies should be an adjunct to manual cleaning and disinfection within a total, multi-layered system and risk-based approach designed to control environmental pathogens and promote patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Roques
- Laboratory on Bacterial Adhesion & Biofilm Formation, University Paul Sabatier, UMR 5503 - Hospital practitioner at the Federative Institute of Biology, Purpan Hospital - Toulouse, France
| | - Haifaa Al Mousa
- Infection Control Association, Infection Control Directorate, Sabah Health Area, PO Box 12414, Al-Shamiya, Kuwait
| | - Adriano Duse
- Department of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service & Wits School of Pathology, Houghton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Rose Gallagher
- Infection Prevention & Control, Royal College of Nursing, London, UK
| | | | - Egil Lingaas
- Department of Infection Prevention, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Infectious Diseases Division, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, 'Lazzaro Spallanzani', Rome, Italy
| | - Jasenka Škrlin
- Center for Clinical Microbiology & Hospital Infections, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Claro T, O'Reilly M, Daniels S, Humphreys H. Surface microbial contamination in hospitals: A pilot study on methods of sampling and the use of proposed microbiologic standards. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:1000-2. [PMID: 26082261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Contamination of hospital surfaces by bacteria is increasingly recognized. We assessed commonly touched surfaces using contact plates and Petrifilms (3M, St. Paul, MN) and compared the results against proposed microbiology standards. Toilet door handles were the most heavily contaminated (7.97 ± 0.68 colony forming units [CFU]/cm(2)) and exceeded proposed standards on 74% of occasions. Petrifilms detected statistically higher CFU from bedside lockers. Further research is required on the use of standards and methods of sampling.
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Saito Y, Yasuhara H, Murakoshi S, Komatsu T, Fukatsu K, Uetera Y. Time-dependent influence on assessment of contaminated environmental surfaces in operating rooms. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:951-5. [PMID: 26050097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.04.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no established method to assess the contamination of environmental surfaces because the results change with time. We evaluated current methods for assessment of contamination of environmental surfaces in the operating room (OR). METHODS Contamination of environmental surfaces in the OR was assessed using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) test and bacterial culture. We collected 480 ATP test samples from 17 surfaces in 6 ORs to determine the influence of surface features, including frequency of touching and surface orientation on contamination, after completion of daily scheduled operations. Another 54 pairs of ATP and microbial samples were taken from 3 surfaces in each of the same OR except 1 to determine the time course of the results of ATP and microbial tests when ORs were not used. RESULTS Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the ATP results were strongly influenced by frequency of touching and orientation of environmental surfaces. The microbial counts declined over time, whereas the ATP results remained at a high level. CONCLUSION The ATP test result could be used as a relatively stable trace of contamination of environmental surfaces; however, it is not a surrogate indicator of the number of viable microbes which declines over time.
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Hu H, Johani K, Gosbell IB, Jacombs ASW, Almatroudi A, Whiteley GS, Deva AK, Jensen S, Vickery K. Intensive care unit environmental surfaces are contaminated by multidrug-resistant bacteria in biofilms: combined results of conventional culture, pyrosequencing, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy. J Hosp Infect 2015; 91:35-44. [PMID: 26187533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2015.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital-associated infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality, and are expensive to treat. Organisms causing these infections can be sourced from the inanimate environment around a patient. Could the difficulty in eradicating these organisms from the environment be because they reside in dry surface biofilms? AIM The intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral hospital was decommissioned and the opportunity to destructively sample clinical surfaces was taken in order to investigate whether multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) had survived the decommissioning process and whether they were present in biofilms. METHODS The ICU had two 'terminal cleans' with 500 ppm free chlorine solution; items from bedding, surrounds, and furnishings were then sampled with cutting implements. Sections were sonicated in tryptone soya broth and inoculated on to chromogenic plates to demonstrate MDROs, which were confirmed with the Vitek2 system. Genomic DNA was extracted directly from ICU samples, and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for femA to detect Staphylococcus aureus and the microbiome by bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on environmental samples. FINDINGS Multidrug-resistant bacteria were cultured from 52% (23/44) of samples cultured. S. aureus PCR was positive in 50%. Biofilm was demonstrated in 93% (41/44) of samples by CLSM and/or SEM. Pyrosequencing demonstrated that the biofilms were polymicrobial and contained species that had multidrug-resistant strains. CONCLUSION Dry surface biofilms containing MDROs are found on ICU surfaces despite terminal cleaning with chlorine solution. How these arise and how they might be removed requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hu
- Surgical Infection Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Johani
- Surgical Infection Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia; Division of Microbiology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - I B Gosbell
- Antibiotic Resistance and Mobile Elements Group (ARMEG), Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney South-West Pathology Service - Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A S W Jacombs
- Surgical Infection Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Almatroudi
- Surgical Infection Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - G S Whiteley
- Whiteley Corporation, Tomago, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - A K Deva
- Surgical Infection Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Jensen
- Antibiotic Resistance and Mobile Elements Group (ARMEG), Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Vickery
- Surgical Infection Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia.
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The perennial problem of variability in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) tests for hygiene monitoring within healthcare settings. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015; 36:658-63. [PMID: 25732269 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2015.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the reliability of commercial ATP bioluminometers and to document precision and variability measurements using known and quantitated standard materials. METHODS Four commercially branded ATP bioluminometers and their consumables were subjected to a series of controlled studies with quantitated materials in multiple repetitions of dilution series. The individual dilutions were applied directly to ATP swabs. To assess precision and reproducibility, each dilution step was tested in triplicate or quadruplicate and the RLU reading from each test point was recorded. Results across the multiple dilution series were normalized using the coefficient of variation. RESULTS The results for pure ATP and bacterial ATP from suspensions of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are presented graphically. The data indicate that precision and reproducibility are poor across all brands tested. Standard deviation was as high as 50% of the mean for all brands, and in the field users are not provided any indication of this level of imprecision. CONCLUSIONS The variability of commercial ATP bioluminometers and their consumables is unacceptably high with the current technical configuration. The advantage of speed of response is undermined by instrument imprecision expressed in the numerical scale of relative light units (RLU).
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Siani H, Maillard JY. Best practice in healthcare environment decontamination. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 34:1-11. [PMID: 25060802 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There is now strong evidence that surface contamination is linked to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Cleaning and disinfection should be sufficient to decrease the microbial bioburden from surfaces in healthcare settings, and, overall, help in decreasing infections. It is, however, not necessarily the case. Evidence suggests that there is a link between educational interventions and a reduction in infections. To improve the overall efficacy and appropriate usage of disinfectants, manufacturers need to engage with the end users in providing clear claim information and product usage instructions. This review provides a clear analysis of the scientific evidence supporting the role of surfaces in HCAIs and the role of education in decreasing such infections. It also examines the debate opposing the use of cleaning versus disinfection in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Siani
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - J-Y Maillard
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK.
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Making Wise Choices When Incorporating Technology for Infection Control Prevention. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-013-0004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Predictors of hospital surface contamination with Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: patient and organism factors. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2014; 3:5. [PMID: 24491119 PMCID: PMC3922547 DOI: 10.1186/2047-2994-3-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of the hospital environment in transmission of ESBL-Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) and ESBL-Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) is poorly defined. Recent data however suggest that in the hospital setting, ESBL-KP is more transmissible than ESBL-EC. We sought therefore to measure the difference in hospital contamination rates between the two species and to identify key risk factors for contamination of the hospital environment with these organisms. Methods We systematically sampled 8 surfaces in the rooms and bathrooms of adult patients colonized or infected with ESBL-EC or ESBL-KP throughout their hospital stay. Data were collected on factors potentially affecting contamination rates. Environmental contamination was defined as recovery of an ESBL-producing organism matching the source patient’s isolate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed at the level of the patient visit using generalized estimating equations to identify independent predictors of environmental contamination. Results 24 patients (11 with ESBL-KP, 11 ESBL-EC and 2 with both organisms) had 1104 swabs collected during 138 visits. The overall contamination rate was 3.4% (38/1104) and was significantly higher for ESBL-KP than ESBL-EC (5.4% versus 0.4%; p < 0.0001). After multivariate analysis, environmental contamination was found to be negatively associated with carbapenem exposure (OR 0.06 [95% CI 0.01-0.61]; p = 0.017) and positively associated with the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter (OR 6.12 [95% CI 1.23-30.37]; p = 0.027) and ESBL-KP in the source patient (OR 26.23 [95% CI 2.70-254.67]; p = 0.005). Conclusions Contamination of the hospital environment with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is inversely associated with carbapenem exposure. Predictors of hospital contamination with ESBL-E include: indwelling urinary catheters and ESBL-KP. Rooms of patients with ESBL-KP have substantially higher contamination rates than those with ESBL-EC. This finding may help explain the apparently higher transmissibility of ESBL-KP in the hospital setting.
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Gaudart J, Cloutman-Green E, Guillas S, D’Arcy N, Hartley JC, Gant V, Klein N. Healthcare environments and spatial variability of healthcare associated infection risk: cross-sectional surveys. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76249. [PMID: 24069459 PMCID: PMC3777895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of healthcare associated infections remains high in patients in intensive care units (ICU), estimated at 23.4% in 2011. It is important to reduce the overall risk while minimizing the cost and disruption to service provision by targeted infection control interventions. The aim of this study was to develop a monitoring tool to analyze the spatial variability of bacteriological contamination within the healthcare environment to assist in the planning of interventions. Within three cross-sectional surveys, in two ICU wards, air and surface samples from different heights and locations were analyzed. Surface sampling was carried out with tryptic Soy Agar contact plates and Total Viable Counts (TVC) were calculated at 48hrs (incubation at 37°C). TVCs were analyzed using Poisson Generalized Additive Mixed Model for surface type analysis, and for spatial analysis. Through three cross-sectional survey, 370 samples were collected. Contamination varied from place-to-place, height-to-height, and by surface type. Hard-to-reach surfaces, such as bed wheels and floor area under beds, were generally more contaminated, but the height level at which maximal TVCs were found changed between cross-sectional surveys. Bedside locations and bed occupation were risk factors for contamination. Air sampling identified clusters of contamination around the nursing station and surface sampling identified contamination clusters at numerous bed locations. By investigating dynamic hospital wards, the methodology employed in this study will be useful to monitor contamination variability within the healthcare environment and should help to assist in the planning of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Gaudart
- Aix-Marseille Univ, UMR912 SESSTIM (AMU, INSERM, IRD), Marseille, France
- University College, London, Department of Statistical Science, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Elaine Cloutman-Green
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge Guillas
- University College, London, Department of Statistical Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikki D’Arcy
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - John C. Hartley
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanya Gant
- University College London Hospital, Department of Microbiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Klein
- University College, London, Institute of Child Health, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, London, United Kingdom
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