Results of routine tests for the detection of dispersers of Staphylococcus aureus

This article describes the routine for the detection of dispersers in relation to the contamination of the air in operating rooms and postoperative wound infections during 1968 through 1972. Out of 3,039 persons, submitted to a dispersal test, ,22 were dispersers (4%). Staph. aureus was found in scalp hair (21.5%) and beards (15.5%). Persons with skin lesions proved to be the heaviest dispersers. After taking measures to prevent dispersers from attending, we still found 18 dispersers in operating rooms. The number of Staph. aureus showed a sharp increase during their attendance. Dispersal in the air of the operating room by 9 dispersers was the cause of 19 postoperative wound infections. Two workers in the operating room, whose dispersal tests were negative, later caused two wound infections (temporary dispersers?). A continuous checking of operating rooms by sedimentation plates is definitely necessary in combination with dispersal tests.