Nosocomial infections result in severe health and financial difficulties for patients and healthcare facilities. The objective of the study was
to determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on computer mice and keyboards in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Universitas
Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, and ICU staff's knowledge regarding cleaning of computer mice and keyboards and their potential hazard
as reservoirs for pathogens. Swab specimens from computer mice and keyboards (14 each) were investigated for S. aureus. Swabbing
was repeated six months later. Standard microbiology laboratory methods were used to culture and identify organisms. An anonymous
questionnaire completed by the ICU staff determined their awareness of computer mice and keyboards as potential sources of nosocomial
infections. In addition to various environmental microorganisms and normal human flora, S. aureus was initially isolated from one computer
mouse, and from two keyboards and five mice six months later. The questionnaire response rate was 85.6%. Seventy-one percent of
respondents stated that they regarded keyboards and mice as an important source of nosocomial infections. Nevertheless, 62% of doctors
and 40.3% of nurses indicated that they never washed their hands before or after using the computer. Ninety-seven percent of respondents
were not aware of an official cleaning policy for computer equipment. In order to prevent nosocomial infections resulting from microbial
transmission between equipment, staff and patients, proper cleaning policies should be implemented.
Nosocomial infections result in severe health and financial difficulties for patients and healthcare facilities. The objective of the study wasto determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on computer mice and keyboards in the intensive care units (ICUs) of UniversitasAcademic Hospital, Bloemfontein, and ICU staff's knowledge regarding cleaning of computer mice and keyboards and their potential hazardas reservoirs for pathogens. Swab specimens from computer mice and keyboards (14 each) were investigated for S. aureus. Swabbingwas repeated six months later. Standard microbiology laboratory methods were used to culture and identify organisms. An anonymousquestionnaire completed by the ICU staff determined their awareness of computer mice and keyboards as potential sources of nosocomialinfections. In addition to various environmental microorganisms and normal human flora, S. aureus was initially isolated from one computermouse, and from two keyboards and five mice six months later. The questionnaire response rate was 85.6%. Seventy-one percent ofrespondents stated that they regarded keyboards and mice as an important source of nosocomial infections. Nevertheless, 62% of doctorsand 40.3% of nurses indicated that they never washed their hands before or after using the computer. Ninety-seven percent of respondentswere not aware of an official cleaning policy for computer equipment. In order to prevent nosocomial infections resulting from microbialtransmission between equipment, staff and patients, proper cleaning policies should be implemented.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..