Surface Colonization of Health Care Facilities in Hematology by Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Nigeria

Abstract

Gram positive bacteria is not unique to intensive care units but has been increasingly reported in health care facilities, especially among Hematology patients worldwide. We evaluate microbiological disease etiology of Staphylococcus aureus in Hematology and frequency of harboring of pathogens by the facilities, medical equipment, surfaces and the possibility of cross contamination between health care workers including the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates recovered. Hundred sourced swabbed samples were taking from the facilities/equipment, rails, door knobs, personnel cell phone and other surfaces at hematology wards of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife. Swabs collected were inserted aseptically into test tubes that contain freshly prepared nutrient broth and then incubated at room temperature (37°C). After 24 h, the broth culture was inoculated into mannitol salt agar (MSA) plates using the inoculating loop. The streaking was done and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Coagulase and DNAse biochemical test later conducted to establish the Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Out of the 54 Staphylococci sp. obtained from hundred samples taken from different sources of various facilities and equipment in the wards, 25(46.3%) Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed total Staphylococcus aureus contaminant of facilities/environment/equipment where door knobs 7(28.0%) showed higher contamination rate followed by 5(20.0%) bed rails, which is higher than the % constitution of Personnel Stethoscope and cell phones which constituted 4(16.0%) and 3 (12.0%) respectively. All isolates were 98%, 64% and 28% susceptible to vancomycin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin respectively and 100% resistant to penicillin and oxacillin used. It is imperative for optimal patient care in the Hematology that effective aseptic techniques and use of sterile gloves, hand hygiene practices in handling surfaces with constant evaluation of antibiotic sensitivity pattern of pathogens for commonly used antimicrobial agents in a particular environment should be greatly maintained.