Drug resistant bacterial contamination of inanimate surfaces, equipment and health care workers in ICU of a tertiary care Hospital in North India

Abstract

ICU-acquired infections are a challenging health problem worldwide as the patient’s immunity is already compromised and these infections are usually caused by MDR pathogens. In ICUs inanimate surfaces and equipment may be contaminated by bacteria. Cross-transmission of microorganisms from inanimate surfaces may have a significant role for ICU-acquired infections. Contamination may result from HCWs hands or by direct patient shedding of bacteria. This study was conducted to determine the rate of bacterial contamination on environmental surfaces and health care workers of ICU our hospital. Swabs from healthcare workers and surrounding environmental surfaces were collected randomly from Adult Intensive care units. Bacterial isolates were identified by standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and data was analyzed. A total of 35 samples were collected, of which 29 (82.8 %) samples yielded positive bacterial growth. Of these 29-positive growth, 10 (34.1%) were from hand swabs of HCWs, 10(34.1%) were from nasal swabs and 9(31.0%) were from environment. Seven different bacterial isolates were identified. Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CONS) 10(28.5%), MRSA 5(14.2%) and Klebsiella spp 5(14.2%) accounted for majority of the isolates followed by MSSA 3(8.5%), Pseudomonas spp 1(2.8%), E.coli 1(2.8%) and ASB 4(11.4%).