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Bacterial contamination of computer keyboards in a teaching hospital

Maureen Schultz1, Janet Gill, Sabiha Zubairi

  • 1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|May 3, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Clinical keyboards are frequently contaminated with harmful bacteria and fungi. This study found 95% of keyboards tested positive for microorganisms, highlighting the need for improved disinfection protocols to prevent patient infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Clinical Engineering

Background:

  • Computer keyboards are essential in healthcare settings.
  • Potential reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms exist on frequently touched surfaces.
  • Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk to patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the bacterial contamination levels of keyboards in clinical environments.
  • To identify the types of microorganisms present on these keyboards.
  • To emphasize the importance of keyboard hygiene in preventing pathogen transmission.

Main Methods:

  • 100 keyboards were sampled from 29 diverse clinical areas.
  • Swabs were used to collect samples from keyboard surfaces.
  • Microbiological culture techniques were employed for organism identification.

Main Results:

  • Ninety-five percent (95%) of the tested keyboards showed microbial growth.
  • Commonly isolated microorganisms included Streptococcus, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus (including vancomycin-resistant strains), Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, and gram-negative organisms.
  • A wide range of pathogens were detected across various clinical settings.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical keyboards serve as a significant reservoir for diverse microorganisms.
  • Inadequate disinfection of computer equipment can facilitate pathogen transmission.
  • Implementing stringent cleaning and disinfection protocols for keyboards is crucial for infection control and patient safety.

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