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A bacteriological study of the environment of pediatric ward and neonatal nursery
P S Shekhawat1, R N Singh, R Shekhawat
1Department of Pediatrics, Regional Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Abstract:
The hospital environment is full of pathogens which may cause nosocomial infections. A bacteriological survey of hospital air, floor, water, milk and fomites was done. The air survey showed large number of bacteria carrying particles in air. A direct relation between floor area per person and bacterial contamination of air was established. The floor survey showed that there is abundance of bacteria on the hospital floors, much more than the accepted fair standards of house keeping. The hospital water had a high coliform and total bacterial count and stored tank water was more dirty. Neonatal nursery milk also had high total bacterial and coliform counts. Regular surveillance of hospital environment may help to reduce the incidence of cross infection.
Insights
Hospital environments harbor pathogens causing infections. This study found high bacterial contamination in air, floors, water, and milk, indicating a need for regular environmental surveillance to reduce cross-infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hospital Infection Control
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Hospital environments are significant reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms.
- Nosocomial infections pose a serious threat to patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
- Effective control of hospital-acquired infections requires understanding environmental contamination sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a bacteriological survey of key hospital environmental elements.
- To assess the level of bacterial contamination in hospital air, floors, water, milk, and fomites.
- To establish correlations between environmental factors and bacterial load.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive bacteriological survey was performed.
- Samples were collected from hospital air, floors, water sources (including stored tank water), neonatal nursery milk, and fomites.
- Bacterial counts (total and coliform) were determined for each sample type.
Main Results:
- High concentrations of bacteria-carrying particles were detected in the hospital air.
- Hospital floors exhibited bacterial contamination levels significantly exceeding acceptable housekeeping standards.
- Hospital water, particularly stored tank water, showed elevated coliform and total bacterial counts.
- Neonatal nursery milk also presented high total bacterial and coliform counts.
- A direct relationship was identified between floor area per person and airborne bacterial contamination.
Conclusions:
- The hospital environment, including air, floors, water, and milk, is heavily contaminated with bacteria.
- Current housekeeping standards appear insufficient to control environmental bacterial load.
- Regular environmental surveillance is crucial for identifying and mitigating sources of cross-infection in hospitals.