Surveying the Frequency of Non-Fermentative Gram-Negative Bacilli in the Environment and Equipment of Tehran Selected Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Non-fermentative, gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) have emerged as a factor of nosocomial infections and mortal epidemics . Hospital environment is one of the most important sources of NFGNB`s colonization and diffusion. This study is aimed to assess the frequency of NFGNB in various wards of selected hospitals of Tehran. Materials & Methods: 469 samples were randomly selected from various wards from two hospitals during a period of 11 weeks. All isolations had been identified using standard microbiological, biochemical and phenotypic tests. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 11.5). Results: Fifty three specimens were positive for NFGNB. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Burkholderia cepacia complex were found as predominant bacteria in hospital I(28%) and II (28.6%).The highest rate of NFGNB isolated from surfaces was 60.3% .The pediatric ward was identified as the most contaminated ward (50%). Conclusion: Several genus of NFGNB are found in hospitals. Therefore, identifying other NFGNB`s genus and training health care staff are of prime importance. NFGNB`s distribution depends on type of ward, surface, and equipment. Periodic sampling of hospital environment can be effective against spreading infection.

Keywords

• non-fermentative
• nosocomial infections
• hospital equipment and environment