Bacterial Contamination of Keyboards: Efficacy and Functional Impact of Disinfectants

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Rutala ◽  
Matthew S. White ◽  
Maria F. Gergen ◽  
David J. Weber
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Sterile Water ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Test Organisms ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Potentially Pathogenic Microorganisms

Background.Computers are ubiquitous in the healthcare setting and have been shown to be contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. This study was performed to determine the degree of microbial contamination, the efficacy of different disinfectants, and the cosmetic and functional effects of the disinfectants on the computer keyboards.Methods.We assessed the effectiveness of 6 different disinfectants (1 each containing chlorine, alcohol, or phenol and 3 containing quaternary ammonium) against 3 test organisms (oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [ORSA], Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species) inoculated onto study computer keyboards. We also assessed the computer keyboards for functional and cosmetic damage after disinfectant use.Results.Potential pathogens cultured from more than 50% of the computers included coagulase-negative staphylococci (100% of keyboards), diphtheroids (80%), Micrococcus species (72%), and Bacillus species (64%). Other pathogens cultured included ORSA (4% of keyboards), OSSA (4%), vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus species (12%), and nonfermentative gram-negative rods (36%). All disinfectants, as well as the sterile water control, were effective at removing or inactivating more than 95% of the test bacteria. No functional or cosmetic damage to the computer keyboards was observed after 300 disinfection cycles.Conclusions.Our data suggest that microbial contamination of keyboards is prevalent and that keyboards may be successfully decontaminated with disinfectants. Keyboards should be disinfected daily or when visibly soiled or if they become contaminated with blood.

Efficacy of Spray Application of Chlorinated Water in Killing Pathogenic Bacteria on Raw Apples, Tomatoes, and Lettuce

1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 1305-1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. BEUCHAT ◽  
B. V. NAIL ◽  
B. B. ADLER ◽  
M. R. S. CLAVERO
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Sterile Water ◽  
Spray Application ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Yeasts And Molds

Washing whole and cut produce by dipping or submerging in chlorinated water has a sanitizing effect, although reduction in microbial populations is minimal and is usually less than 100-fold. A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a spray application of chlorine in killing Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, yeasts and molds, and total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms on whole apples, tomatoes, and lettuce leaves. Inoculated produce was treated (sprayed and then soaked) with water (control) or Solutions containing 200 or 2,000 ppm of chlorine for 0, 1,3, 5, or 10 min, rinsed with sterile water, and analyzed for populations (CFU/cm2) of target microorganisms. Compared to the control treatment, further reductions in numbers of pathogens of 0.35 to 2.30 log CFU/cm2 were achieved by treatment with chlorine. Chlorine was generally more effective at 2,000 ppm than at 200 ppm. Inactivation of microorganisms occurred essentially within 1 min after application of chlorine. These reductions are significant relative to populations of pathogenic microorganisms that may be present on produce. Spray application of chlorine to raw produce at food Service or household levels may be a suitable, and more convenient, alternative to treatment by dipping or submersion.

scholarly journals The stethoscope in the emergency department: a vector of infection?

2000 ◽  
Vol 124 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. NÚÑEZ ◽  
A. MORENO ◽  
K. GREEN ◽  
J. VILLAR
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Enterobacter Agglomerans ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Potential Vector ◽  
Propyl Alcohol ◽  
Cleaning Methods ◽  
Hospital Wards ◽  
Potentially Pathogenic Microorganisms

The purposes of this study were to determine whether microorganisms can be isolated from the membranes of stethoscopes used by clinicians and nurses, and to analyse whether or not the degree of bacterial colonization could be reduced with different cleaning methods. We designed a transversal before-after study in which 122 stethoscopes were examined. Coagulase negative staphylococci (which are also potentially pathogenic microorganisms) were isolated together with 13 other potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including S. aureus, Acinetobacter sp. and Enterobacter agglomerans. The most effective antiseptic was propyl alcohol. Analysis of the cleaning habits of the Emergency Department (ED) staff, showed that 45% cleaned the stethoscope annually or never. The isolation of potentially pathogenic microorganisms suggests that the stethoscope must be considered as a potential vector of infection not only in the ED but also in other hospital wards and out-patient clinics.

scholarly journals Contamination of used toothbrushes and their decontamination with disinfecting agents

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. 478-484
Author(s):  
Tshakane RMD Ralephenya ◽  
Julitha Molepo ◽  
Mulalo Molaudzi ◽  
Alfred Volchansky ◽  
Sindisiwe L Shangase
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Microbiological Methods ◽  
Health Practitioners

AIM: To evaluate microbial contamination of toothbrushes and the efficacy of different oral disinfectant agents in their decontamination METHODS: The heads of 98 used toothbrushes derived from patients who needed oral hygiene treatment were included in the study. In the laboratory, microorganisms on toothbrush heads were identified using standard microbiological methods. Toothbrush heads with microorganisms were then randomly divided into four groups of 19 and disinfected with Brushtox, Andolex C, Listerine® and water (control), followed by microbiological analysis RESULTS: Seventy eight percent of toothbrushes were contaminated with different microorganisms. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were found in a high number of toothbrushes (49%), followed by Pseudomonas spp (37%), Staphylococcus aureus (32%), Streptococcus mutans (14%), coliforms (9%) and Candida albicans (3%). Decontamination of toothbrushes with Andolex C and Listerine® reduced the number of contaminated toothbrushes by 74% each, Brushtox by 90% and water by 0.0% CONCLUSION: Toothbrushes were contaminated with various types of microorganisms, but predominantly with CoNS. Although Brushtox is a toothbrush spray, soaking toothbrushes in this solution was the most effective method, reducing the number of disinfected toothbrushes by 90%. Oral health practitioners should raise awareness to their patients regarding the need to disinfect toothbrushes.

Risk of Cross Transmission with Point-of-Care Ultrasound System: Effect of a Glass-Sealed Control Panel on Microbial Contamination

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1539-1542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armand Mekontso Dessap ◽  
Chloe Jansen ◽  
Florence Boissier ◽  
Keyvan Razazi ◽  
Nicolas de Prost ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Control Panel ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
System Effect ◽  
Cross Transmission ◽  
Ultrasound System ◽  
Hygiene Compliance

Contamination of a point-of-care ultrasound system (POCUS) mainly involved electrocardiography accessories and included pathogenic microorganisms. The use of a glass-sealed control panel significantly facilitated its cleaning and reduced its bacterial contamination compared with a standard control panel. Overall hand hygiene compliance during examinations with POCUS was poor.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(12):1539–1542

Changes in the Population Density of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Response to the Allelopathic Effect of Thypha Latifolia

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Zhukorskiy ◽  
O. Gulay ◽  
V. Gulay ◽  
N. Tkachuk
Keyword(s):  
Cell Density ◽  
Allelopathic Effect ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Sterile Water ◽  
Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Samples

Aim. To determine the response of the populations of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Leptospira interrogans pathogenic microorganisms to the impact of broadleaf cattail (Thypha latifolia) root diffusates. Methods. Aqueous solutions of T. latifolia root diffusates were sterilized by vacuum fi ltration through the fi lters with 0.2-micron pore diameter. The experimental samples contained cattail secretions, sterile water, and cultures of E. rhusiopathiae or L. interrogans. The same amount of sterile water, as in the experimental samples, was used for the purpose of control, and the same quantity of microbial cultures was added in it. After exposure, the density of cells in the experimental and control samples was determined. Results. Root diffusates of T. latifolia caused an increase in cell density in the populations of E. rhusiopathiae throughout the whole range of the studied dilutions (1:10–1:10000). In the populations of the 6 studied serological variants of L. interrogans spirochetes (pomona, grippotyphosa, copenhageni, kabura, tarassovi, canicola), the action of broadleaf cattail root diffusates caused the decrease in cell density. A stimulatory effect was marked in the experimental samples of the pollonica serological variant of leptospira. Conclusions. The populations of E. rhusiopathiae and L. interrogans pathogenic microorganisms respond to the allelopathic effect of Thypha latifolia by changing the cell density. The obtained results provide the background to assume that broadleaf cattail thickets create favorable conditions for the existence of E. rhusiopathiae pathogen bacteria. The reduced cell density of L. interrogans in the experimental samples compared to the control samples observed under the infl uence of T. latifolia root diffusates suggests that reservoirs with broadleaf cattail thickets are marked by the unfavorable conditions for the existence of pathogenic leptospira (except L. pollonica).

Assessment of Bacterial Contamination of Orthodontic Arch wire

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-51
Author(s):  
Suha S Hassan ◽  
Nidhal H. Ghaib ◽  
Batool H Al-Ghurabi
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Brain Heart Infusion ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bacillus Spp ◽  
Droplet Transmission

Background: The microorganisms can impend the life of health care professional and particularly the dental practitioners. They can be transmitted by different ways like airborne and droplet transmission. The current study was carried out to identify whether the arch wires that received from the manufactures are free from microbial contamination and to determine the bacterial species attached to the arch wires. Materials and Methods: This study involved eighty samples, consisted of two types of arch wires (nitinol and stainless-steel) from four companies (3M, G&H, Jiscop, OrthoTechnology). These wires inserted in a plane tube that contains 10 -ml of (Tris [tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tris-EDTA and brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. A 0.1 ml was withdrawn from the tube and spread on agar plates. The control groups consist of 16 plane tube (8 tubes with tris-EDTA and other 8 tubes with (BHI). Results: Microbial sampling yielded growth from 5 of the 80 arch wires. The predominant bacteria that isolated were Bacillus spp. No growth was recovered from 75 of the samples and from controls. The bacteria were isolated by BHI reagent and no growth was observed by tris-EDTA reagent with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The Bacillus spp. found only in the G&H and Jiscop companies, however, no statistically significant difference was found among them (P>0.05). With regard to the presence and distribution of bacteria according to the types of wires, the present results clarified that cases of contamination with Bacillus spp. were found in the nitinol arch wires with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions: The results of the current study revealed low count of bacterial contamination in the two types of companies (G&H and Jiscop). Not all materials that received from the manufactures are free from contamination and an effective sterilization regimen is needed to avoid cross-contamination.

scholarly journals Intraoperative Bacterial Contamination and Activity of Different Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Regimens in Primary Knee and Hip Replacement

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Alba Rivera ◽  
Alba Sánchez ◽  
Sonia Luque ◽  
Isabel Mur ◽  
Lluís Puig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hip Replacement ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Joint Infections ◽  
Prosthetic Joint ◽  
Prosthetic Joint Infections ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis ◽  
Almost All

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is important for the prevention of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and must be effective against the microorganisms most likely to contaminate the surgical site. Our aim was to compare different SAP regimens (cefazolin, cefuroxime, or vancomycin, alone or combined with gentamicin) in patients undergoing total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty. In this preclinical exploratory analysis, we analyzed the results of intraoperative sample cultures, the ratio of plasma antibiotic levels to the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for bacteria isolated at the surgical wound and ATCC strains, and serum bactericidal titers (SBT) against the same microorganisms. A total of 132 surgical procedures (68 TKA, 64 THA) in 128 patients were included. Cultures were positive in 57 (43.2%) procedures (mostly for coagulase-negative staphylococci and Cutibacterium spp.); the rate was lower in the group of patients receiving combination SAP (adjusted OR 0.475, CI95% 0.229–0.987). The SAP regimens evaluated achieved plasma levels above the MICs in almost all of intraoperative isolates (93/94, 98.9%) and showed bactericidal activity against all of them (SBT range 1:8–1:1024), although SBTs were higher in patients receiving cefazolin and gentamicin-containing regimens. The potential clinical relevance of these findings in the prevention of PJIs remains to be determined.

Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination on Prehospital Ambulances Before and After Disinfection

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 602-606
Author(s):  
Roohollah Farhadloo ◽  
Jalil Goodarzi Far ◽  
Mohammad Reza Azadeh ◽  
Saeed Shams ◽  
Mohammad Parvaresh-Masoud
Keyword(s):  
Nosocomial Infections ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Bacterial Agent ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Effective Role ◽  
Major Factors

AbstractBackgroundThe contamination of the environment, ambulance equipment, and staff hands consequently are major factors which create nosocomial infections in emergency patients. The contamination of equipment and devices plays an important role in nosocomial infections.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a disinfectant on the rate of microbial contamination of ambulances in Qom Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Qom, Iran.MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental study with a before-after design in order to determine microbial contaminations at the rear and front cabin of ambulances, as well as medical equipment being utilized in Qom EMS. Saya sept-HP-2% solution was used for disinfection. Bacteriological standard methods were used to identify the contaminations.ResultsThe contamination rates before and after use of disinfection solution were 52% and eight percent, respectively. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most commonly isolated bacterial agent from the equipment (53%). In all equipment, the contamination level has shown a significant reduction after applying disinfectant.Conclusions:In spite of the fact that the rate of infection from ambulance equipment is high, the results showed that the use of the suitable disinfectant had an effective role in the reduction of bacteria.FarhadlooR, Goodarzi FarJ, AzadehMR, ShamsS, Parvaresh-MasoudM.Evaluation of bacterial contamination on prehospital ambulances before and after disinfection. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(6):602–606.

scholarly journals DETECTION OF POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN THE BRACKISH RIVERS FLOWING INTO THE ELTON LAKE BY HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEQUENCING

2018 ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. A. Selivanova ◽  
Yu. A. Khlopko ◽  
N. E. Gogoleva ◽  
A. O. Plotnikov
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Pore Diameter ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Membrane Filters ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Dna Libraries ◽  
Enzymatic Lysis

Aim. To indicate potentially pathogenic bacteria in plankton of the brackish rivers flowing into the Elton Lake by high-throughput sequencing of 16S ssuRNA gene. Materials and methods. The water samples from brackish rivers Lantsug and Chernavka, flowing into the Elton Lake, were taken up in a volume of 50 ml, filtered through membrane filters (pore diameter - 0.22 pm). Total DNAwas obtained by phenol-chloroform extraction with preliminary homogenization and enzymatic lysis. DNA libraries for sequencing were created by protocol Illumina with primers to a variable V3-V4 region of 16S ssuRNA gene. Sequencing was performed on a platform MiSeq («Illumina», США). Results.There were found the phylotypes of potentially pathogenic bacteria of Proteobacteria phylum from the families Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Campylobacteraceae, Vibrionaceae, Aeromonadaceae, Moraxellaceae, Legionellaceae, Alcaligenaceae, Campylobacteraceae, and also of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria phyla in the plankton samples of the brackish rivers. Probable source of bacterial contamination is large and small cattle. Conclusion. These data demonstrate that the continental brackish waters, along with freshwater and marine habitats perform a reservoir function to potentially pathogenic microorganisms. High-throughput sequencing can be used to screen the presence of pathogens in water.

scholarly journals Бактеріальні показники продуктів забою курчат-бройлерів у разі збагачення раціону наномікроелементною кормовою добавкою «Мікростимулін» в аспекті ветеринарно-санітарної експертизи

2015 ◽  
pp. 93-99
Author(s):  
І. В. Яценко ◽  
В. М. Кириченко
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Broiler Chicken ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Not Given ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms ◽  
Experimental Group

Проаналізовано бактеріальну контамінацію умовно-патогенними та патогенними мікроорганізмамипродуктів забою курчат-бройлерів (білі і червонім’язи, серце, печінка, м’язова частина шлунку) в разізбагачення раціону наномікроелементною кормовоюдобавкою (НМКД) «Мікростимулін» протягом чоти-рьох діб зберігання за температури 0–4 оС. Встанов-лено, що найменший рівень МАФАнМ, БГКП, бакте-рій роду Proteus реєструвався в 3-й дослідній групі,курчатам-бройлерам якої задавали з водою 20 см3/дм3НМКД «Мікростимулін» у всіх досліджуваних продук-тах забою. Найбільший рівень МАФАнМ, БГКП, бак-терій роду Proteus реєструвався в контрольній групі,курчатам-бройлерам якої не задавали НМКД «Мікро-стимулін» з водою. Доведено залежність між дозоюНМКД «Мікростимулін» і кількістю мікроорганізміву продуктах забою птиці. The bacterial contamination of broiler chicken slaughter products (white and red muscles, heart, liver, muscular stomach) by conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms when the ration of the chickens was enriched by nanomicroelement feed additive (NMFA) «Microstimulin» for four days of storage at 0–4 ºC has been analyzed. It has been found out that the lowest level of MAFAnM, BGIR, bacteria Proteus in all slaughter products under investigation was registered in the 3rd experimental group the broiler chickens of which were given 20 cm³/dm³ NMFA «Microstimulin» with water. The highest level of MAFAnM, BGIR, bacteria Proteus was registered in the control group the broiler chickens which were not given NMFA «Microstimulin» with water. The dependence between the dose of NMFA «Microstimulin» and the number of microorganisms in the products of slaughtering has been proved.

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