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Environmental contamination by organisms causing urinary tract infection
1Edgware General Hospital, Middlesex, UK.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens were found on patient bedsheets, with some also present on floors and chairs. This suggests potential environmental contamination routes for UTIs in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Epidemiology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common healthcare-associated infections.
- The environmental reservoir of UTI-causing pathogens in patient rooms is not fully understood.
- Identifying contamination sources is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and types of microorganisms causing UTIs on patient bedsheets, floors, and bedside chairs.
- To determine the extent of environmental contamination in rooms of patients with UTIs.
Main Methods:
- Environmental sampling of bedsheets, floors, and bedside chairs from 33 patients diagnosed with UTIs.
- Microbiological culture and identification of recovered organisms.
Main Results:
- Causative organisms of UTIs were recovered from the undersheets of 10 out of 33 patients.
- In two patients, the UTI-causing organism was also found on the floor and bedside chair.
- Common UTI pathogens like Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were identified on sheets. Group B beta-haemolytic streptococci and Candida tropicalis were found on floors and chairs.
Conclusions:
- Patient bedsheets can serve as a reservoir for UTI-causing microorganisms.
- Environmental surfaces like floors and chairs may also harbor these pathogens, indicating potential transmission routes.
- Findings highlight the importance of environmental hygiene and surface disinfection in preventing UTI spread.