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The role of the surface environment in healthcare-associated infections
David J Weber1, Deverick Anderson, William A Rutala
1Department of Hospital Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Healthcare, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7030, USA. dweber@unch.unc.edu
Purpose Of Review:
This article reviews the evidence demonstrating the importance of contamination of hospital surfaces in the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens and interventions scientifically demonstrated to reduce the levels of microbial contamination and decrease healthcare-associated infections.
Recent Findings:
The contaminated surface environment in hospitals plays an important role in the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE), Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp., and norovirus. Improved surface cleaning and disinfection can reduce transmission of these pathogens. 'No-touch' methods of room disinfection (i.e., devices which produce ultraviolet light or hydrogen peroxide) and 'self-disinfecting' surfaces (e.g., copper) also show promise to decrease contamination and reduce healthcare-associated infections.
Summary:
Hospital surfaces are frequently contaminated with important healthcare-associated pathogens. Contact with the contaminated environment by healthcare personnel is equally as likely as direct contact with a patient to lead to contamination of the healthcare provider's hands or gloves that may result in patient-to-patient transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Admission to a room previously occupied by a patient with MRSA, VRE, Acinetobacter, or C. difficile increases the risk for the subsequent patient admitted to the room to acquire the pathogen. Improved cleaning and disinfection of room surfaces decreases the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Insights
Hospital surfaces harbor dangerous pathogens like MRSA and C. difficile, contributing to infections. Enhanced cleaning and novel disinfection methods can significantly reduce microbial contamination and healthcare-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Environmental Hygiene
- Microbiology
Background:
- Hospital surfaces are a reservoir for healthcare-associated pathogens.
- Contaminated environments facilitate pathogen transmission, including MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, Acinetobacter, and norovirus.
- Healthcare worker hand contamination occurs via environmental contact, leading to patient-to-patient transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the role of hospital surface contamination in pathogen transmission.
- To examine interventions for reducing microbial contamination on surfaces.
- To assess methods for decreasing healthcare-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hospital surface contamination.
- Analysis of data on the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection strategies.
- Evaluation of novel disinfection technologies and materials.
Main Results:
- Hospital surfaces are frequently contaminated with key healthcare-associated pathogens.
- Environmental contamination poses a significant risk for patient acquisition of pathogens like MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile.
- Effective surface cleaning and disinfection are crucial for reducing pathogen transmission.
- Emerging technologies like UV light, hydrogen peroxide, and self-disinfecting surfaces show promise.
Conclusions:
- Hospital surface contamination is a critical factor in healthcare-associated infections.
- Improved environmental hygiene practices, including enhanced cleaning and disinfection, are essential.
- Novel disinfection methods offer potential for further reducing pathogen transmission and infection rates.
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