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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
A point prevalence survey on hand hygiene, with a special focus on Candida species
Christina Brühwasser1, Guido Hinterberger1, Wolfgang Mutschlechner1
1Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Background:
A 1-day point prevalence study evaluated hand hygiene compliance, yeast colonization, and contamination, focusing on the hands of health care workers (HCWs) and patient-oriented surfaces.
Methods:
Hand hygiene compliance was evaluated by applying the direct observation technique and the World Health Organization's compliance program, "My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene." A total of 128 samples from HCWs working in intensive care (n = 11) and intermediate care (n = 2) units and 65 environmental samples from Innsbruck Medical University Hospital were investigated.
Results:
Hand hygiene compliance was superior for nurses (83.5%) and moderate for medical doctors (45.2%). In general, fungal growth was unique; only 9 of 128 HCW samples and only 4 of 65 environmental samples yielded positive results. The genetic relatedness of yeasts from the same species was investigated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing. RAPD profiles exhibited the potential for cross-transmission of yeasts.
Conclusion:
In general, the fungal colonization and contamination rate was low, but a high level of hand hygiene compliance was lacking.
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