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Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination of Clipper Blades in Small Animal Private Practice
Rebecca Mount1, Anthea E Schick1, Thomas P Lewis1
1From Dermatology for Animals, Albuquerque, NM (R.M.); Dermatology for Animals, Gilbert, AZ (A.E.S., T.P.L.); and Dermatology for Animals, Tucson, AZ (H.M.N.).
Abstract:
Nosocomial infections are a growing concern in veterinary hospitals, and identifying fomites is imperative to reducing the risk of pathogen transmission. In veterinary medicine, shaving of hair is necessary prior to many procedures. Contaminated clipper blades have been cited as potential fomites involved in the transmission of pathogens in veterinary and human medicine. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate bacterial contamination of clipper blades in veterinary practices. A secondary goal was to assess whether there was an association between bacterial contamination of clipper blades and clipper blade cleaning solutions, clipper blade cleaning protocols, clipper blade storage, and type of practice. Sixty clipper blades from 60 different practices were cultured. Information regarding blade cleaning solutions, protocols, and storage was collected from each practice. Fifty-one percent (31/60) of clipper blades sampled were contaminated with bacteria. Category of cleaning solutions had a significant association with bacterial contamination (P < 0.02). Cleaning frequency (P = 0.55), storage location (P = 0.26), and practice type (P = 0.06) had no significant association with bacterial contamination. This study documented bacterial contamination of clipper blades in veterinary practices, and clipper blades should be considered potential fomites.
Insights
Veterinary clipper blades frequently harbor bacteria, posing a risk for nosocomial infections. While cleaning solutions showed an association with contamination, cleaning protocols and storage did not significantly impact bacterial presence on these potential fomites.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Disease Control
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are a significant concern in veterinary hospitals.
- Identifying fomites is crucial for preventing pathogen transmission.
- Contaminated clipper blades are implicated as fomites in both human and veterinary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bacterial contamination levels on clipper blades in veterinary practices.
- To determine the association between clipper blade contamination and cleaning solutions, protocols, and storage methods.
- To assess the influence of practice type on clipper blade bacterial contamination.
Main Methods:
- Sixty clipper blades were collected from 60 different veterinary practices.
- Bacterial cultures were performed on each clipper blade.
- Data on cleaning solutions, protocols, and storage were gathered from participating practices.
Main Results:
- Bacterial contamination was detected on 51% (31/60) of the sampled clipper blades.
- The category of cleaning solution used showed a significant association with bacterial contamination (P < 0.02).
- Cleaning frequency (P = 0.55), storage location (P = 0.26), and practice type (P = 0.06) were not significantly associated with contamination.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms bacterial contamination of clipper blades in veterinary settings.
- Clipper blades should be recognized as potential fomites contributing to pathogen transmission.
- Further investigation into effective cleaning solutions and protocols is warranted.
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