Document Type
Article
Department
Surgery
Abstract
Abstract Nosocomial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Non-medical objects known as fomites may have a role in their genesis. We investigated the significance of writing pens and spectacles asfomites. The study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July 2013 to September 2013. Cultures were taken from pens and/or spectacles of resident nurses, doctors and nursing assistants in intensive care unit (ICU). Organisms important in ICU nosocomial infections were targeted. Seven rounds ofsampling over 3 weeksled to 55 pen and 5 spectacle samples. Growth was seen in 3(5.5%) pen samples and 1(20%) spectacle sample. Two (3.6%) pen cultures grew acinetobacter, 1)1.8%) grew candida and acinetobacter, and i spectacle culture grew vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium (VRE). Two out of the 4 (50%) personnel managing all ICU beds had growth. During the study, one or more ICU patients had infection with the same organisms. Pens and spectacles may be responsible for the spread of organisms like acinetobacter and VRE. Personnel managing multiple beds are more likely to carry contaminated fomites.
Publication (Name of Journal)
JPMA: Journal of Pakistan Medical Association
Recommended Citation
Murad, H. F.,
Inam Pal, K. M.
(2016). Nosocomial infections in the ICU: pens and spectacles as fomites. JPMA: Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 66(10), S-53-S-55.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_surg/112