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Contamination of hospital curtains with healthcare-associated pathogens
Floyd Trillis1, Elizabeth C Eckstein, Rachel Budavich
1Research Service, Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Abstract:
In a culture survey, we found that 42% of hospital privacy curtains were contaminated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci, 22% with ethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and 4% with Clostridium difficile. Hand imprint cultures demonstrated that these pathogens were easily acquired on hands. Hospital curtains are a potential source for dissemination of healthcare-associated pathogens.
Insights
Hospital privacy curtains frequently harbor dangerous bacteria like vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These pathogens can easily transfer to hands, posing a risk for healthcare-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a significant concern in clinical settings.
- Environmental contamination is a known route for pathogen transmission within hospitals.
- Privacy curtains are frequently touched surfaces in patient rooms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the microbial contamination of hospital privacy curtains.
- To identify specific healthcare-associated pathogens present on these surfaces.
- To evaluate the potential for pathogen transfer from curtains to healthcare worker hands.
Main Methods:
- A culture survey was conducted on hospital privacy curtains.
- Hand imprint cultures were performed to assess pathogen acquisition.
- Standard microbiological techniques were used for pathogen identification.
Main Results:
- 42% of privacy curtains were contaminated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
- 22% of curtains showed contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- 4% of curtains were positive for Clostridium difficile, and hand cultures confirmed easy pathogen acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Hospital privacy curtains serve as a reservoir for significant healthcare-associated pathogens.
- Curtain contamination poses a direct risk for pathogen transmission via hand contact.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols for privacy curtains may be necessary to reduce HAI transmission.
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