Microbiological characterization of the surface contamination in surgical room areas in a Hospital in Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Abstract

Objective: To describe the microorganisms present on surface areas of surgical rooms, in a medium-sized hospital in Sao Paulo state (Brazil). Materials and method: Sixty samples were collected with the aid of sterile swabs soaked in peptone water and rubbed into quadrants of 20 cm 2 . The surfaces investigated were: medication tables, surgical tables, marble countertops and air conditioning grilles. Results: Staphylococcus aureus , coagulase negative, was the microorganism most frequently found on the surgical tables and on the medication tables (50.7% of the samples). This microorganism is also the most frequent cause of post-surgical infection at the same hospital. Conclusions: Prophylactic measures should include proper hand washing, the use of personal protective equipment, appropriate uniforms, and cleaning and sterilization of surface and medical and hospital equipment.

Keywords

• Health-care associated infections
• Nursing
• Microbiology