World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION ON HOSPITAL SURFACES IN BINGHAM UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL JOS, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Essien U.C.*, Sheyin Z., Sati T., Ede F.R. and Bigwan E.I.

ABSTRACT

Background: Frequently touched surfaces in hospital environment can constitute reservoir for healthcare associated infections (HAIS). However, the spread of HAIS involves contacts of susceptible hosts with particularly highly touched surfaces that are not adequately disinfected. Cross-transmission of microorganisms by contaminated surfaces and the hands of health care workers are considered to be the main route of the spread of nosocomial infections in many Nigerian hospitals. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the prevalent bacterial flora that contaminates hospital surfaces and their antibiotic susceptibility profile. We explored the bacteria present in surfaces taken from; soft surfaces textiles, tables, chairs, wash sink, cupboards, sphygmomanometer, waste bins, windows, thermometers, floors, door handles, wall, drip stand, light switches, trolleys, wheel chairs and kardex. Materials and methods: One hundred surface swabbed specimens were analyzed microbiologically for the presence of bacteria that contaminate hospital surfaces. Specimens were collected from predefined surfaces using a labeled sterile cottoned swab sticks moistened with sterile saline. Each swab specimen was streak-inoculated onto Chocolate agar and MacConkey agar. Cultures on Chocolate agar and MacConkey agar were incubated aerobically for 18-24hours at 37oC. Bacteria identification was performed using standard microbiological procedures. Results: Out of the 100 surfaces sampled, 84 (84.0%) yielded growth of bacteria. The prevalence of bacterial isolates were as follows: Proteus spp. 39 (46.43%), Klebsiella species 26 (30.95%), Escherichia coli 8 (9.50%), Staphylococcus aureus 4 (4.76%) Pseudomonas species 4 (4.76%) and Coagulase negative staphylococci 3 (3.57%). Conclusion: This study has clearly demonstrated that highly touched surfaces have the potentials for creating a reservoir for healthcare associated infections.

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