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Asymmetric transfer efficiencies between fomites and fingers: Impact on model parameterization
Christine Greene1, Nancy Hernandez Ceron2, Marisa C Eisenberg3
1Department of Environmental Health and Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Applied Research Center, NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
American Journal of Infection Control
|February 5, 2018
Summary
Assuming symmetric pathogen transfer overestimates fomite contamination and underestimates healthcare worker contamination. Accurate transfer efficiency is crucial for effective infection prevention strategies in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Mathematical Modeling
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant patient safety concern.
- Pathogen transmission occurs via fomites and healthcare workers (HCWs).
- Pathogen transfer efficiency between surfaces and fingers is key to understanding environmental transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of assuming symmetric transfer efficiency on pathogen dynamics.
- To compare asymmetrical and symmetrical models of pathogen movement in hospitals.
- To assess how model assumptions affect exposure estimates for patients.
Main Methods:
- Developed a deterministic compartmental model for Acinetobacter baumannii transmission.
- Modeled contact-mediated processes among HCWs, patients, and the environment.
- Compared a model with measured asymmetrical transfer efficiency to two symmetrical models.
Main Results:
- Symmetric models overestimated fomite contamination by over 100%.
- Symmetric models underestimated contamination on patients and HCWs.
- Intervention effectiveness estimates were biased by the assumption of symmetric transfer.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare facility-specific data are essential for accurate infection control modeling.
- Incorrect assumptions about transfer efficiency lead to biased intervention effectiveness.
- More accurate exposure models are needed for improved infection prevention strategies.
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