Contamination of equipment by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in intensive care units of a public in maternity ward

Abstract

Intensive care units are considered critical areas of a hospital, due to patient’s high risk for infections. The setting of these units constitutes a potential reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms, which may be conveyed to susceptible hosts such as newborns and children. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus on surfaces and equipment in the intensive care
units of a public maternity ward in Goiânia, Goiás. The research was conducted in three units, two pediatric and one neonatal. Sample collection occurred from September/2011 to July/2012. We assessed 93 materials, 48 items of equipment and 45 surfaces. The procedure for collection of samples was performed using a swab, which was inoculated into specific culture medium. The bacterial isolates were identified by microscopic analysis, macroscopic and biochemical tests. Among the
materials tested, 62 (66.7%) were contaminated with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, while 32 items of equipment (66.7%) and 30 surfaces (66.7%) were also contaminated. The incubators (90.9%) and countertops (88.9%) were the most frequently contaminated materials. A total of 65 bacteria were isolated. Some materials (n=3) were contaminated with two concomitant bacterial strains, but
phenotypically different. In this study, the equipment and surfaces investigated were identified as a focus of contact for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, presenting a risk for the transmission of microorganisms to newborns and hospitalized children. The adoption of procedures for more effective decontamination are necessary to control the spread of the bacteria in the hospital environment.