Contamination Of Environmental Surfaces Research Articles

Bacterial Contamination of Environmental Surfaces of Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinics.

The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria on veterinary clinic surfaces may be problematic. In this study, we collected swab samples (Fisherbrand, double transport swabs with Stuart's liquid medium) and water samples from five veterinary rehabilitation clinics. Swabs and water samples were transported to a microbiology lab for processing. At the lab, swabs were used to inoculate Hardy's Cdiff Banana Broth (for Clostridium difficile [Cdiff]) and five different types of bacterial growth media, including Hardy CHROM MRSA agar (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and S. pseudintermedius [SIM]), mannitol salt agar (S. aureus [SA]), eosin methylene blue agar (enterics [ENT]), Pseudomonas isolation agar (Pseudomonas spp. [PS]), and tryptic soy agar [TSA] (non-specific). The most prominent presumptive species cultured was Cdiff (on nearly 55% of swabs). Bacillus spp. and enteric bacteria were encountered on nearly 35% of swabs, with MRSA and SIM on just over 10% of swabs. The most contaminated sample site was harnesses/life jackets used with the underwater treadmill (33% of swabs). The underwater treadmill water had total bacterial counts from 1,600 to 2,800 cfu/mL. Of all presumptive bacterial species detected, SIM tends to be more pathogenic for dogs. Targeted cleaning/disinfecting in these clinics could help reduce risks for both animals and caregivers utilizing these clinics.

Trends in viable microbial bioburden on surfaces within a paediatric bone marrow transplant unit

Despite their role being historically overlooked, environmental surfaces have been shown to play a key role in the transmission of pathogens causative of healthcare-associated infection. To guide infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions and inform clinical risk assessments, more needs to be known about microbial surface bioburdens. To identify the trends in culturable bacterial contamination across communal touch sites over time in a hospital setting. Swab samples were collected over nine weeks from 22 communal touch sites in a paediatric bone marrow transplant unit. Samples were cultured on Columbia blood agar and aerobic colony counts (ACC) per 100cm2 were established for each site. Individual colony morphologies were grouped and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or 16s rDNA sequencing. Highest mean counts were observed for sites associated with ward management activity and computer devices (3.29 and 2.97 ACC/100cm2 respectively). A nurses' station keyboard had high mean ACC/100cm2 counts (10.67) and diversity, while laundry controls had high mean ACC/100cm2 counts (4.70) and low diversity. Micrococcus luteus was identified in all sampling groups. Clinical staff usage sites were contaminated with similar proportions of skin and environmental flora (52.19-46.59% respectively), but sites associated with parental activities were predominantly contaminated by environmental microflora (86.53%). The trends observed suggest patterns in microbial loading based on site activities, surface types and user groups. Improved understanding of environmental surface contamination could help support results interpretation and IPC interventions, improving patient safety.

Fluctuation in SARS-CoV-2 Environmental Surface Contamination Levels in Homes Where Patients With COVID-19 Stayed for Recuperation.

Introduction Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) often occurs among family members. Elucidating where viable SARS-CoV-2 virions, and not just residual viral RNA, are present in the house is necessary to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to evaluate the environmental surface contamination levels of both SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viable viruses in the homes of housebound patients with COVID-19. Methods Environmental samples were collected from the households of three patients in April and July 2022 when the number of new COVID-19 cases in Japan was reported to be approximately 50,000 and 200,000 cases per day, respectively. For each case, samples were obtained from 19-26 household sites for seven consecutive days. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was examined in 455 samples through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and RT-qPCR-positive samples were subjected to plaque assay to detect viable viruses. Results Among the 455 samples, 63 (13.8%) that were collected from patients' pillows and comforters, doorknobs, chairs, and refrigerators tested positive by RT-qPCR. The maximum detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive samples in each case ranged from 20.0% to 57.7% on days 1 to 3. The detection rate gradually decreased to 0-5.3% as the days elapsed. Although all RT-qPCR-positive samples were examined, no viable viruses were detected in these samples. Conclusions Although environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was observed in the homes of housebound patients with COVID-19, no viable viruses were isolated. This suggests that the indirect transmission risk from fomites was low.

Investigating Microbial Contamination of Indoor Air, Environmental Surfaces, and Medical Equipment in a Southwestern Ethiopia Hospital.

Healthcare-associated infections, primarily caused by microorganisms, are widespread in healthcare facilities. These infections pose a significant challenge, especially in low and middle-income countries, and have a detrimental impact on patient outcomes. It is crucial to assess the level of microbial load and associated factors to prevent the spread of these infections. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial load and identify the factors associated with it in various wards at Jimma Medical Center. A cross-sectional study conducted at Jimma Medical Center. Indoor air samples were collected using the settle plate method with a 1/1/1 scheme. Inanimate surfaces and medical equipment were sampled using Swabs from a 10 × 10 cm area. A total of 268 samples were collected from 10 rooms. Pertinent information regarding the associated factors was gathered using an observational checklist. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify any associations with the microbial load. Out of the total samples, 181 (67.5%) tested positive for culture, and 270 microbes were isolated. The average load of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air ranged from 124.4 to 1607 and 96 to 814.6 Colony-forming unit (CFU)/m3, respectively. The mean total aerobic colony counts of bacteria and fungi from all surfaces in the wards ranged from 5.25 to 43.3 CFU/cm2. Crowdedness [β = 2.748 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.057-4.44)], the presence of waste material [β = 1.747 (95% CI: 0.213-3.282)], and an unclean room [β = 2.505 (95% CI: 0.990-4.019)] were significantly associated with the microbial load. The microbial load detected in indoor air, inanimate surfaces and medical equipment was posing potential health risks. Consequently, it is recommended to implement regular microbial surveillance of the hospital environment and enhance the infection prevention program to mitigate these concerns.

Assessment of environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in concert halls and banquet rooms in Japan

BackgroundAlthough crowds are considered to be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, little is known about the changes in environmental surface contamination with the virus when a large number of people attend an event. In this study, we evaluated the changes in environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2. MethodsEnvironmental samples were collected from concert halls and banquet rooms before and after events in February to April 2022 when the 7-day moving average of new COVID-19 cases in Tokyo was reported to be 5000–18000 cases per day. In total, 632 samples were examined for SARS-CoV-2 by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) tests, and RT-qPCR-positive samples were subjected to a plaque assay. ResultsThe SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection rate before and after the events ranged from 0% to 2.6% versus 0%–5.0% in environmental surface samples, respectively. However, no viable viruses were isolated from all RT-qPCR-positive samples by the plaque assay. There was no significant increase in the environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 after these events. ConclusionsThese findings revealed that indirect contact transmission from environmental fomite does not seem to be of great magnitude in a community setting.

Environmental Surface Contamination With Monkeypox Virus in the Ambulatory Setting in Toronto, Canada.

This article describes the results of environmental sampling in out-patient clinics where adults with human monkeypox were evaluated. Viral DNA was detected at low concentrations on high-touch surfaces. Hospital-grade cleaning wipes reduced environmental contamination, usually to undetectable levels.

How to reduce the exposure risk of medical staff from SARS-CoV-2 by reducing environmental contamination: Experience from designated hospitals in China.

Using daily monitoring of environmental surfaces and personal protective equipment (PPE), we found an increase in environmental contamination since August 18, 2021, in a designated hospital for COVID-19 patients in China, which may lead to an increased risk of exposure to medical staff. To investigate the cause of increased environmental contamination and effect of our intervention, we obtained environmental samples at pre-intervention (August 18-21, 2021) and post-intervention (August 22-28, 2021) from six infection isolation rooms with windows for ventilation and other auxiliary areas at 105 and 129 sites before routine daily cleaning, respectively. In addition, we obtained PPE samples from 98 medical staff exiting the patient rooms/contaminated areas at 482 sites. Between August 22 and 24, 2021, we took measures to reduce environmental contamination based on sampling and inspection results. At pre-intervention, the positivity rates for contamination of environmental surfaces and PPE samples were significantly higher for critical patients (37.21 and 27.86%, respectively) than severely ill patients (25.00 and 12.50%, respectively) and moderately ill patients (0.00 and 0.00%, respectively) (Pearson's Chi-square: χ2 = 15.560, p = 0.000; Fisher's exact test: χ2 = 9.358, p = 0.007). Therefore, we inferred that the source of contamination of environmental surfaces and PPE was mainly the room of critically ill patients, likely through the hands of medical staff to the potentially contaminated areas. A critically ill patient had emergency tracheal intubation and rescue on August 18, 2021, due to worsened patient condition. The ventilator tube used for first aid did not match the ventilator, and the ventilator tube fell off multiple times on August 18-21, 2021, which may explain the increased contamination of environmental surfaces and PPE from critically ill patients, as well as lead to indirect contamination of potentially contaminated areas. The contamination positivity rates of environmental surfaces and PPE were reduced by replacing the appropriate ventilator catheter, limiting the number of people entering the isolation room simultaneously, increasing the frequency of environmental disinfection, standardizing the undressing process, setting up undressing monitoring posts to supervise the undressing process, and preventing the spread of virus infections in the hospital during an epidemic. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was spread on object surfaces in isolation rooms mainly by touch, and the contamination of environmental surfaces and PPE was greater in rooms of patients with greater disease severity and higher surface touch frequency. Therefore, strict protective measures for medical staff, frequent environmental cleaning for isolation rooms, and compliance with mask wearing by patients when conditions permit should be advised to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread in hospitals.

Contamination of personal protective equipment and environmental surfaces in Fangcang shelter hospitals

BackgroundFangcang shelter hospitals emerged as a new public health concept after COVID-19. Data regarding contamination of Fangcang shelter environments remains scarce. This study aims to investigate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 contamination on personal protective equipment and surfaces in Fangcang hospitals. MethodsBetween March and May 2022, during wave of omicron variant, a prospective study was conducted in 2 Fangcang hospitals in Shanghai, China. Swabs of personal protective equipment worn and environmental surfaces of contaminated areas, doffing rooms, and potentially contaminated areas were collected. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. If viral RNA was detected, sampling was repeated after cleaning and disinfection. ResultsA total of 602 samples were collected. 13.3% of the personal protective equipment were contaminated. Positive rate was higher in the contaminated areas (48.4%) than in the doffing rooms (11.7%) and the potentially contaminated areas (0; P<.05). Contamination was highest in patient occupied areas (67.5%). After cleaning, samples taken at previously contaminated surfaces are all negative. ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination is prevalent in Fangcang hospitals and healthcare workers are under risk of infection. Potentially contaminated areas and surfaces after cleaning and disinfection are negative, underlying the importance of infection control policy.

Stability and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the virus causing the ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, is believed to be transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, reports are increasing regarding the contamination of environmental surfaces, shared objects, and cold‐chain foods with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and the possibility of environmental fomite transmission of the virus raises much concern and debate. This study summarizes the current knowledge regarding potential mechanisms of environmental transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2, including the prevalence of surface contamination in various settings, the viability and stability of the virus on surfaces or fomites, as well as environmental factors affecting virus viability and survival such as temperature and relative humidity. Instances of fomite transmission, including cold‐chain food transmission, and the importance of fomite transmission in epidemics, are discussed. The knowledge gaps regarding fomite transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 are also briefly analyzed.

Microbial assessment of surfaces and air quality in emergency and gynecology operation theater of Bahawal Victoria Hospital

Background: Microorganisms present in air and on surfaces of operation theaters are the common cause of nosocomial infection in patients. Microbiological assessment of organisms is important to check the quality of environment provided to patients who are already in compromised state. So, this study was conducted to determine the level of bacterial contamination of air, environmental and medical equipment surfaces in operation theatres of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Objective: To determine Microbes of surfaces and air quality in Emergency and Gynecology operation theater of Bahawal Victoria Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional analytical study performed involving 100 samples from air and surfaces of Gynecology and Emergency operation theater of BVH from July 2015 to Dec 2015. Demographic and other clinical data was collected using standardized data collection tools. Culture of air and different sites [floor, walls, basin and equipment) for the microbiological assessment was done by the gold standard method. Culture positive organisms were confirmed by gram staining, microscopy and biochemical tests. Results: Of the100 samples collected from different sites like air, basin, walls, floor and instruments of emergency operation theater and Gynecology Operation Theater most organisms collected from theatres were Staphylococcus aureus followed by E. coli and K. pneumonia respectively. Most organisms were isolated from air, basin, and floor while medical equipment were fully sterilized and their samples show no growth.

Environmental surface sampling for SARS-CoV-2 around hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital

Background: The contamination of patients’ surroundings by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains understudied. Discordant findings of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in environmental samples were noted in many reports. Aims and Objectives: The study assessed the extent and persistence of environmental surface contamination in real-world surfaces around COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: We sampled the surroundings of two intensive care unit (ICU) and one ward that were occupied by laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Frequently touched environmental surfaces near patients were swabbed before and after daily environmental disinfection. Results: Of 355 environmental samples, 6 (1.69%) were positive by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. Among those, 5 of 75 ICU samples (6.67%) and 1 of 75 ward environmental samples (1.33%) in the pre-fumigation areas occupied by COVID-19 positive patients were positive. No samples obtained within the first 2 h of fumigation and surface disinfection was found to be positive. Conclusion: Surrounding environment of symptomatic COVID-19 patients can get contaminated and in cases of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, contamination of their surroundings was an uncommon phenomenon. Strict contact barrier precaution, routine cleaning with disinfectants are mandatory hospital infection control practices in the management of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in public areas: An investigation of environmental surface contamination

Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in public areas: An investigation of environmental surface contamination

419. SARS-CoV-2 Environmental Surface Contamination of Healthcare Staff Common Areas

BackgroundThere are limited data regarding SARS-CoV-2 (SC2) environmental contamination in staff areas of healthcare settings. We performed environmental sampling of staff areas in wards where coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patients received care and compared findings to surfaces within COVID-19 patient rooms.MethodsThe study was conducted at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) from 9/15/20-1/26/21. Sampling of 20cm2 surfaces in staff common areas (breakroom high-touch surfaces comprising tables and microwave/refrigerator handles; bathroom surfaces comprising toilet, sink, and doorknob; and floors), nurse workstations (computer mice and floors), and COVID-19 patient rooms (high-touch surfaces comprising bedrail, computer mice/keyboards, and doorknobs; bathroom surfaces; and floors) was performed using flocked swabs one or more times per week. Specimens underwent RNA extraction and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the SC2 N1 region. Median comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Trends in odds were evaluated using Score test.ResultsProportions of surface specimens with detectable SC2 RNA are summarized in Table 1. Median copy numbers were lower among staff toilets compared to COVID-19 patient toilets (135.6 vs. 503.8 copies/specimen, p=0.02), lower among staff breakroom compared to patient room high-touch surfaces (104.3 vs. 220.3 copies/specimen, p=0.007), and similar between staff and patient room samples from sinks and floors. At nurse workstations, SC2 RNA was detected among 22/177 (12.4%) computer mouse and 147/178 (82.6%) floor samples. Odds of SC2 detection increased by study week among common area (p< 0.001) and nurse workstation samples (p< 0.001) (Figures 1 and 2).Table 1. SARS-CoV-2 (SC2) RNA detection on staff common area and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) patient room surfaces at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 9/15/20-1/26/21. Figure 1. Proportion of environmental surface specimens with detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA from a) staff common areas and b) nurse workstations of inpatient wards where coronavirus disease-19 patients received care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 9/15/20-1/26/21. Figure 2. Proportion of environmental surface specimens with detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in staff common areas of inpatient wards where coronavirus disease-19 patients received care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 9/15/20-1/26/21, by surface type: a) staff breakroom surfaces, b) staff bathroom surfaces, c) staff common area floors. ConclusionA low prevalence of detectable SC2 RNA was observed among staff area high-touch surfaces; however, the likelihood of detection increased over time. Environmental SC2 RNA detection may reflect primary contamination from infected healthcare workers or secondary contamination from contact with infected patients, though a direct relationship between surface SC2 RNA viral detection and transmission risk has not been established.Disclosures Michael Z. David, MD PhD, GSK (Board Member) Ebbing Lautenbach, MD, MPH, MSCE, Merck (Other Financial or Material Support, Member of Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB))

Environmental sampling of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Delta variant in the inpatient wards of a hospital in Nanjing

BackgroundLittle is known about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant of concern (VOC)-contaminated environmental surfaces and air in hospital wards admitting COVID-19 cases. Our study was designed to identify high-risk areas of Delta VOC contamination in the hospital and provide suggestions to in-hospital infection control. We analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC contamination in the air and environmental surface samples collected from a hospital in Nanjing, China.MethodsWe collected data on clinical features, laboratory tests, swab tests, and hospital wards, identified the factors associated with environmental contamination, and analyzed patients’ hygiene behaviors during hospitalization.ResultsA total of 283 environmental surface and air samples were collected from a hospital admitting 36 COVID-19 patients. Twelve swab samples from ten patients were positive. Toilet seats had the highest contamination rate (11.8%), followed by bedside tables (8.2%), garbage bins (5.9%), and bedrails (1.6%). The median time of symptom onset to surface sampling was shorter in the positive environment group than in the negative environment group (11 vs. 18 days; P=0.001). The results indicated that environmental surface contamination was associated with positive anal swabs [odds ratio (OR) 27.183; 95% CI: 2.359–226.063; P=0.003] and the time from symptom onset to surface sampling (OR 0.801; 95% CI: 0.501–0.990; P=0.046). The survey revealed that 33.3% of the patients never cleaned or disinfected their bedside tables or toilets, and 8.3% of them only cleaned their bedside tables or toilets. More than half of the patients often (25%) or always (30.6%) put the used masks on their bedside tables. Only 16.7% of the patients threw the masks into the specific garbage bin for used masks.ConclusionsThe SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC was detected on environmental surfaces, especially toilet seats and bedside tables, within a median time of 11 days after symptom onset. Our study provided potential predictors for environmental surface contamination, including positive anal swabs and the time from symptom onset to sampling. Disinfecting high-risk environmental surfaces should be emphasized in hospital wards, especially for patients in the early stage of COVID-19.

Environmental sampling for SARS-CoV-2 at a reference laboratory and provincial hospital in central Viet Nam, 2020.

ObjectiveTo determine whether environmental surface contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred at a provincial hospital in Viet Nam that admitted patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and at the regional reference laboratory responsible for confirmatory testing for SARS-CoV-2 in 2020.MethodsEnvironmental samples were collected from patient and staff areas at the hospital and various operational and staff areas at the laboratory. Specimens from frequently touched surfaces in all rooms were collected using a moistened swab rubbed over a 25 cm2 area for each surface. The swabs were immediately transported to the laboratory for testing by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Throat specimens were collected from staff at both locations and were also tested for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time RT–PCR.ResultsDuring the sampling period, the laboratory tested 6607 respiratory specimens for SARS-CoV-2 from patients within the region, and the hospital admitted 9 COVID-19 cases. Regular cleaning was conducted at both sites in accordance with infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. All 750 environmental samples (300 laboratory and 450 hospital) and 30 staff specimens were negative for SARS-CoV-2.DiscussionIPC measures at the facilities may have contributed to the negative results from the environmental samples. Other possible explanations include sampling late in a patient’s hospital stay when virus load was lower, having insufficient contact time with a surface or using insufficiently moist collection swabs. Further environmental sampling studies of SARS-CoV-2 should consider including testing for the environmental presence of viruses within laboratory settings, targeting the collection of samples to early in the course of a patient’s illness and including sampling of confirmed positive control surfaces, while maintaining appropriate biosafety measures.

Environmental Surface Contamination with SARS-CoV-2: Toilets as the Most Contaminated Surfaces in COVID-19 Referral Hospital

Introduction The possibility of surface transmission in hospitals with high density of COVID- 19 patients is unneglectable. The aim of this study is to determine the extent of surface contamination in coronavirus central hospital of Ilam province in western Iran. Materials and methods In this experimental study, 205 samples were taken from environmental surfaces in hospital. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by Real-time RT-PCR. Results 121 out of 205 (50.02%) samples were positive. The most contaminated objects were toilet sites (5/5,100% ICU; 5/5, 100% isolation wards). Conclusion High surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 proposes the surface as a potential route of transmission.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in hospital: An insight into environmental surfaces contamination, disinfectants’ efficiency, and estimation of plastic waste production

The current COVID-19 pandemic that is caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led all the people around the globe to implement preventive measures such as environmental cleaning using alcohol-based materials, and social distancing in order to prevent and minimize viral transmission via fomites. The role of environmental surface contamination in viral transmission in within hospital wards is still debatable, especially considering the spread of new variants of the virus in the world. The present comprehensive study aims to investigate environmental surface contamination in different wards of a hospital as well as the efficacy of two common disinfectants for virus inactivation, and tries to produce an estimate of plastic residue pollution as an environmental side effect of the pandemic. With regard to environmental surface contamination, 76 samples were taken from different wards of the hospital, from which 40 were positive. These samples were taken from contaminated environmental surfaces such as patient bed handles, the nursing station, toilet door handles, cell phones, patient toilet sinks, toilet bowls, and patient's pillows, which are regularly-touched surfaces and can pose a high risk for transmission of the virus. The number of positive samples also reveals that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on inanimate surfaces after disinfection by ethanol 70 % and sodium hypochlorite (0.001 %). The results correspond to the time that the VOC 202012/01 (lineage B.1.1.7) had emerged in the hospital and this should be considered that this variant could possibly have different traits, characteristics, and level of persistence in the environment. The plastic waste as an environmental side effect of the pandemic was also investigated and it was confirmed that the amount of plastic residue for a single (RT) PCR confirmatory test for COVID-19 diagnosis is 821.778 g of plastic residue/test. As a result, it is recommended that for improving plastic waste management programs, considering challenges such as minimizing plastic waste pollution, optimization of gas control technologies in incinerators, process redesign, reduction of single-use plastics and PPE, etc. Is of utmost importance.

Auto-Disinfectant Acrylic Paints Functionalised with Triclosan and Isoborneol-Antibacterial Assessment.

Environmental surface contamination with microorganisms is a serious concern worldwide. Triclosan and isoborneol present good antimicrobial activity. Their immobilisation to paint substrates allows for development of a material that stays effective over a longer time. In this work, we disclosed the preliminary studies to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the active molecule after being functionalised with isocyanates for further immobilisation on the paint substrate. Overall, the newly developed non-release antimicrobial coating provides an effective way of preventing the spread of diseases and has been proven to inhibit bacterial growth and with a considerable antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus, E. coli, and K. variicola at the tested concentrations.

Nursing-Home Patient Functional and Microbiota Status Drive Environmental Contamination with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci

Background: Patient colonization and shedding of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is a major source of environmental contamination leading to VRE transmission in nursing homes. We hypothesize that we can inform mitigation strategies by identifying patient clinical and microbiota features associated with environmental contamination with VRE. Methods: During a 6-month period of active surveillance in 6 Michigan nursing homes, 245 patients (with 806 follow-up visits) were enrolled. Patient clinical data and swabs for VRE were collected from multiple body sites and high-touch environmental surfaces. In total, 316 perirectal swabs were collected from 137 patients for gut microbiota analysis and community status type (CST) assignment based on taxonomic composition. The associations between VRE colonization pattern, gut microbial CST, and patient factors were examined using multivariable generalized estimating equations, adjusting for patient-and facility-level clustering. We used VRE colonization patterns to group study visits: “uncolonized” (patient−/environment−); “environment-only” (patient−/environment+); “patient-only” (patient+/environment−); “both” (patient+/environment+). Results: Across all study visits, VRE colonization on patient hand and groin/perirectal area was positively correlated with VRE contamination of high-touch environmental surfaces, suggesting direct transfer of VRE between patient and environment via patient hands (Figure 1A). We next set out to identify patient factors associated with patient colonization and environmental contamination. At baseline, while patients in the “both” group had anticipated risk factors such as longer prior hospitalization and more frequent broad-spectrum antibiotic use, they were unexpectedly younger than “uncolonized” patients and had similar functional status. This last feature contrasted with the “patient-only” group, characterized by higher urinary catheter use and higher functional dependence, suggestive of lower functional dependence facilitating patient contamination of their environment. No clinical features distinguished “uncolonized” and “environment-only” patients (Table 1). Lastly, in multivariable analyses, we determined the contribution of patient functional status and gut microbiota features to environmental contamination. Low-diversity CST, characterized by reduced anaerobic taxa, was weakly associated with “patient-only” and significantly associated with “both.” Notably, high functional dependence was significantly associated with “environment-only” and “patient-only” but not “both,” indicating high-functioning patients with disrupted gut microbiota as drivers of environmental contamination (Figure 1B). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that antimicrobial exposure disrupts patient gut microbiota, a significant mediator of colonization dynamics between patients and their environment, and that high-functioning patients may be more likely to spread VRE between their body sites and high-touch environmental surfaces (Figure 2). These findings highlight both antibiotic stewardship and patient hand hygiene as important targets for interrupting transmission mediated by environmental contamination.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Controlling bacteriological contamination of environmental surfaces at the biological isolation and containment unit of a veterinary teaching hospital

BackgroundThe Biological Isolation and Containment Unit (BICU) is a subunit of the Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, for the admission of animals with confirmed infectious diseases or under clinical suspicion and waiting for a diagnosis. As a high-risk environment for the transmission of infectious agents, it is extremely important to implement programs for the surveillance of nosocomial microorganisms in these facilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of bacterial contamination of the BICU environmental surfaces and to implement corrective actions on disinfection protocols. Swab samples were collected from selected environmental surfaces in 3 different areas of the BICU (isolation, work, and preparatory rooms) to evaluate the total aerobic bacterial load and investigate the presence of 4 nosocomial microorganisms: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 3rd-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli, and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial quantification was performed by using non-selective media, while specific selective media were used for the isolation of the target microorganisms. Isolates were identified based on their macro and microscopic characteristics and their biochemical profile. Subsequently, new disinfection protocols were implemented, and their effectiveness evaluated.ResultsThe surfaces with the highest bacterial load in the isolation, preparatory, and worker’s rooms were the cages, hand-held sponge, and telephone, respectively. Regarding the 4 pathogens investigated, Enterococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated (11.3%), followed by E. coli (1.5%) and P. aeruginosa (1.5%). One of the P. aeruginosa isolates obtained was resistant to imipenem. In the end, new disinfection protocols were implemented, which proved to be effective in reducing bacterial counts by 99.99% in cages and the sponge, and by 90 to 99% on the telephone.ConclusionsThis study allows to conclude that the cages and the human contact surfaces were the most contaminated in the isolation rooms. Nevertheless, the new disinfection strategies seemed to be effective in reducing environmental contamination, including by some potentially nosocomial agents, although more samples must be analyzed for definitive conclusions. These results may contribute to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures, as fundamental tools to reduce the spread of infectious agents in the hospital environment.