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Staphylococcus aureus contamination on the surface of working tables in ward staff centers and its preventive methods
Masafumi Oomaki1, Katsuhiro Yorioka, Shigeharu Oie
1Department of Pharmacy, Saiseikai Yamaguchi General Hospital, Japan.
Abstract:
We investigated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) contamination on the surface of working tables in ward staff centers and the effects of disinfection by wiping with 80% (v/v) ethyl alcohol on this contamination. When working tables were not regularly disinfected or washed, S. aureus [methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and/or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)] was detected in 29 (51.8%) of 56 tables in 6 wards investigated. MRSA was detected in 17 (30.4%) of 56 tables and in all investigated wards. The S. aureus contamination density on the entire surface of the S. aureus-contaminated tables was 2081+/-8915 (mean+/-S.D.) colony-forming units (cfu) (n=29, range, 10-4.8x10(4) cfu), and the MRSA contamination density on the entire surface of the MRSA-contaminated tables was 158+/-200 cfu (n=17, range, 10-7.4x10(2) cfu). The second investigation was performed immediately after working tables not regularly disinfected or washed were disinfected by wiping once with 80% (v/v) ethyl alcohol, and MRSA was detected in 5 (8.9%) of 56 tables. The contamination density on the entire surface of the MRSA-contaminated tables was 36+/-30 cfu (n=5, range, 10-80 cfu). The third investigation was performed immediately after working tables not regularly disinfected or washed were disinfected by wiping with 80% (v/v) ethyl alcohol twice with a 1-min interval, and no S. aureus contamination was observed in any of 56 tables. These results suggest that disinfection by wiping once with 80% (v/v) ethyl alcohol could not completely eliminate MRSA in particulates. For the disinfection of the MRSA-contaminated surface of working tables and the removal of particulates, regular disinfection by wiping with 80% (v/v) ethyl alcohol is necessary.
Insights
Regularly disinfecting working tables with 80% ethyl alcohol is crucial for eliminating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A single wipe is insufficient, but double wiping effectively removes MRSA contamination from surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Environmental Hygiene
Background:
- Working tables in ward staff centers can harbor Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
- Regular disinfection is essential to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate S. aureus contamination on hospital working tables.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of 80% ethyl alcohol wipes in disinfecting these surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Surface samples from 56 working tables in 6 hospital wards were collected.
- Contamination levels of S. aureus (including MRSA) were quantified using colony-forming units (cfu).
- Disinfection efficacy was tested by wiping tables once or twice with 80% ethyl alcohol.
Main Results:
- S. aureus was detected on 51.8% of tables, and MRSA on 30.4%, prior to disinfection.
- A single disinfection wipe reduced MRSA detection to 8.9% of tables.
- Two disinfection wipes with 80% ethyl alcohol eliminated S. aureus detection on all tested tables.
Conclusions:
- Single-wipe disinfection with 80% ethyl alcohol is inadequate for complete MRSA elimination.
- Regular, repeated disinfection using 80% ethyl alcohol is necessary for effective surface decontamination and particulate removal in healthcare settings.
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