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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Evaluation of surface contamination with staphylococci in a veterinary hospital using a quantitative microbiological
1Royal Veterinary College, The Queen Mother Hospital, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Veterinary hospital surfaces show high microbial contamination, with 55.9% failing to meet human hospital standards for staphylococci. Floors were significantly more contaminated than door handles, indicating a need for improved hygiene protocols.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Microbiology
- Infection control
Background:
- Environmental microbial contamination poses a risk in healthcare settings.
- Establishing baseline hygiene standards is crucial for veterinary hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess microbial contamination on surfaces in a veterinary hospital.
- To compare contamination levels with standards used in human hospitals.
- To establish a baseline for future hygiene assessments.
Main Methods:
- Surface samples were collected twice daily for five days.
- Contact-based counting method used to quantify staphylococci.
- Colony forming units (cfu) per cm² measured.
Main Results:
- 55.9% of all sampled surfaces exceeded the acceptable limit of 2.5 cfu/cm² for staphylococci.
- Floor surfaces showed a threefold higher likelihood of elevated contamination compared to door handles.
- No significant difference in contamination failure rates was observed between the ICU and other hospital areas.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary hospitals can achieve higher microbiological cleanliness by adopting human hospital and food industry standards.
- This study provides a baseline for evaluating cleaning interventions and ongoing hygiene.
- Data supports the development of targeted cleaning protocols to reduce microbial load.
