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Related Experiment Videos

Microbiologic flora of human fingernails.

G M Rayan, D J Flournoy

    The Journal of Hand Surgery
    |July 1, 1987
    PubMed
    Summary

    Fingernails harbor significant Staphylococcus epidermidis and fungi, even after hand scrubbing. Preoperative nail trimming and cleaning are crucial to reduce contamination and potential pathogen spread.

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    The Journal of hand surgery, European volume·2008

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Infection Control
    • Clinical Science

    Background:

    • Fingernail flora can harbor microorganisms.
    • The effectiveness of preoperative hand scrubbing alone in eliminating fingernail contamination is unclear.
    • Understanding the microbial profile of fingernails is important for preventing surgical site infections.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the incidence and nature of microorganisms found on fingernails in a clinical setting.
    • To assess the impact of routine preoperative hand scrubbing on fingernail contamination.
    • To highlight the significance of fingernail hygiene in infection control.

    Main Methods:

    • Culturing fingernail flora from 20 patients undergoing routine preoperative hand scrubbing.
    • Microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolated organisms.
    • Assessment of fungal presence, including molds and yeast.

    Main Results:

    • Nineteen out of 20 patients (95%) showed moderate to heavy growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis.
    • Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high susceptibility of these isolates.
    • Fungi (molds and yeast) were present in 13 out of 20 patients (65%).
    • Significant fingernail contamination persisted despite adequate hand scrubbing.

    Conclusions:

    • Fingernails are a reservoir for potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus epidermidis and fungi.
    • Routine preoperative hand scrubbing alone is insufficient to eliminate fingernail contamination.
    • Preoperative fingernail trimming and cleaning are essential practices to reduce microbial load and prevent infections.

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