How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

• Inanimate surfaces are recognized as a significant reservoir for healthcare-associated infections (nosocomial infections).
• Understanding pathogen survival on surfaces is critical for infection control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize data on the persistence of various nosocomial pathogens on inanimate surfaces.
• To identify the duration of survival for different types of microorganisms on environmental surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of MedLine database without language restrictions.
• Inclusion of cited articles and relevant textbooks.
• Inclusion of all reports with experimental evidence on pathogen persistence on surfaces.

Main Results:

• Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp.) and many gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli) can survive for months.
• Mycobacteria, spore-forming bacteria (e.g., Clostridium difficile), and fungi (e.g., Candida albicans) also demonstrate prolonged survival (months).
• Viruses vary in persistence: respiratory viruses survive days, gastrointestinal viruses up to 2 months, blood-borne viruses over a week, and herpes viruses hours to 7 days.

Conclusions:

• Common nosocomial pathogens can persist on surfaces for extended periods, acting as a continuous source of transmission.
• Effective and regular surface disinfection protocols are essential to mitigate transmission risks in healthcare settings.