Study of the persistence of selected Gram-negative bacteria pathogens of healthcare-associated infections on hospital fabrics.

BACKGROUND

The ability of healthcare associate infection (HAI) pathogens to persist on fomites is crucial to their transmission within the healthcare setting, this study evaluated the persistence of 3 common HAI pathogens on fabrics materials commonly used in healthcare settings.

METHODS

Persistence of bacteria species on fabric was investigate by inoculating standardized inoculum prepared from the clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii on sterile swatches of 100% cotton, microfiber and polyester. Viable bacteria persisting on the inoculated fabrics were evaluated immediate after inoculation and subsequently at 96-hour interval for 32 days using the drop plate technique. The effect of moisture on the persistence of the studied bacteria isolates was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Between 3 and 6 log reduction in the viability of the inoculated bacteria cells were observed after 32 days of inoculation on fabrics. Generally, lower viable cells were recovered from the microfiber fabrics compared to others, while higher viable cells were recovered from wet fabrics compared to the dry fabrics in this study.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that HAI bacteria pathogens can persist for more than a month on hospital fabrics, and that their persistence can be enhanced by moisture.