Rotaviral RNA found on various surfaces in a hospital laundry

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infection Control
• Hospital Hygiene

Background:

• Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk, with contaminated textiles being a potential transmission route.
• Inadequate laundering and disinfection of hospital textiles can facilitate the spread of pathogens.
• Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis, particularly in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and distribution of rotaviral RNA in a hospital laundry environment.
• To identify potential control points (CP) for rotavirus contamination within laundry processes.
• To assess the efficacy of standard laundry procedures in eliminating rotavirus RNA from textiles and surfaces.

Main Methods:

• RNA isolation from environmental swabs collected at various hospital laundry control points.
• Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR for sensitive detection of rotaviral RNA.
• Inoculation of rotavirus suspensions onto various surfaces (cotton textiles, folding table, industrial dryer) as positive controls.

Main Results:

• Rotaviral RNA was detected on multiple laundry surfaces, including technical equipment, storage shelves, transport vehicles, and personnel hands.
• Contamination was found on both damp and folded textiles, indicating potential for widespread dissemination.
• Positive control surfaces consistently tested positive for rotaviral RNA after 24 hours, validating the detection methods.

Conclusions:

• Hospital laundries can serve as a reservoir for rotavirus RNA, even after washing processes.
• Proper handling of textiles post-laundering is crucial to mitigate the risk of rotavirus transmission and HAIs.
• This study provides the first evidence of rotaviral RNA presence on laundry surfaces and equipment, emphasizing the need for enhanced disinfection protocols.