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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices
Published on: November 5, 2016
A survey of gram-negative bacteria survival on hospital fabrics and plastics
1Shriners Hospitals for Children and Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45229-3095, USA.
Abstract:
One critical factor for the transmission of microorganisms from person to person or from the environment to a person (patient or health care worker) is the ability of the microbe to survive on an environmental surface. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of survival of various gram-negative bacteria on fabrics and plastics commonly used in hospitals. Seven materials were tested: smooth cotton (clothing), cotton terry (towels), 60% cotton-40% polyester blend (scrub suits and lab coats), polyester (drapes), 75% nylon-25% spandex (pressure garments), polyvinyl (splash aprons), and polyurethane (keyboard covers). The following bacteria were tested: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter species, and Enterobacter species. Swatches of the materials were inoculated with defined amounts of bacteria and assayed at regular intervals. Survival was dependent on the bacterium, its inoculum size, and the material tested. At 102 microorganisms per swatch, bacteria survived from less than 1 hour to 8 days. At 10(4) to 10(5) bacteria per swatch, survival ranged from 2 hours to more than 60 days. These findings emphasize the need for careful disinfection and conscientious contact control procedures in areas that serve immunosuppressed individuals, such as patients with burn injuries.
Insights
Gram-negative bacteria can survive on hospital fabrics and plastics for days, highlighting the need for strict disinfection. This study tracked bacterial survival on common healthcare materials to inform infection control practices.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microbial survival on surfaces is critical for healthcare-associated infections.
- Understanding bacterial persistence on hospital materials informs effective disinfection strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival duration of gram-negative bacteria on common hospital fabrics and plastics.
- To assess how bacterial type, inoculum size, and material composition affect survival.
Main Methods:
- Seven different hospital materials (cotton, polyester blends, polyvinyl, polyurethane) were tested.
- Swatches were inoculated with gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli).
- Bacterial survival was monitored over time at different concentrations.
Main Results:
- Bacterial survival varied significantly based on the bacterium, material, and initial bacterial load.
- At lower concentrations (10^2 CFU/swatch), survival ranged from <1 hour to 8 days.
- At higher concentrations (10^4-10^5 CFU/swatch), survival extended from 2 hours to over 60 days.
Conclusions:
- Hospital surfaces can harbor viable gram-negative bacteria for extended periods.
- Findings underscore the importance of rigorous disinfection and contact control, especially for immunocompromised patients.
- Material choice and contamination levels influence bacterial persistence and infection risk.
