Assessing Nosocomial Risks: A Study on Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Hospital Surfaces and Medical Instruments

Abstract

 The existence of microorganisms, such, as vancomycin enterococci (VRE) methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on medical equipment and surfaces poses a significant contamination risk. While stethoscopes and mobile phones have been extensively studied the potential transmission of bacteria through hospital records has received attention. This study aims to quantify the level of contamination on touched items by patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals in hospitals. The research was conducted at Al Ramadi Teaching Hospital for gynecology and pediatrics. A total of 70 swab samples were collected from locations within the hospital. Detailed information regarding patient hospitalization duration and bed assignments, in both wards and specialized units was obtained from the medical affairs department. The collected samples underwent a series of tests including catalase, oxidase, coagulase, mannitol fermentation, indole and sugar fermentation assays to identify the presence of bacteria. The analysis revealed that microorganisms were detected in all samples taken from hospital entrances and corridors. The prevalence decreased in emergency rooms (90%) kitchens (80%) patient bedrooms (50%) and operation rooms (50%). In this study the results showed that E. Coli was present, in half of the samples taken at the entrances while Staphylococcus species were detected in around 30% of them. Klebsiella was identified in 20% of the samples and St. Pyogenes was found in 10%. Interestingly Aspergillus contamination was also discovered, with the highest occurrence being in the kitchen (90%) followed by laboratories (80%) and patient bedrooms (60%). Overall these findings highlight how bacterial contamination is widespread, throughout areas of hospitals. This emphasizes the importance of implementing hygiene protocols and regular disinfection practices to minimize the risk of healthcare associated infections. The study suggests that it is crucial to pay attention to areas and objects that are not commonly examined as part of infection control measures.