To study the microbes and their resistance pattern on dresses and stethoscope of health care workers in a tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Background Objectives This study was conducted to determine the type of microbial contamination and the resistant pattern of the microbes present on the dresses and stethoscope of health care workers in order to assess the risk of transmission of pathogenic micro-organisms and its implications for patient safety and control of hospital-acquired infections. Materials and Methods Swabs were taken from diaphragm of the stethoscopes and dresses of healthcare workers (4 different areas - collar, pocket, sleeve and sides of the dress) for bacteriological  analysis using standard techniques. Each participant answered an anonymous study questionnaire regarding his or her  specialtyunit, cadre and white-coat usage practices (e.g., length of usage, frequency of washing, type of washing and frequency of usage in the hospital). Observations The collar and pockets were the more contaminated areas. 40 and 45 of Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the dresses and stethoscopes of health care workers respectively followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococci and Gram negative bacilli. Most of the Gram positive cocci were resistant to Cotrimoxazole and Penicillin.Conclusion Organisms isolated from the dresses and stethoscopes of health care workers can be a source of infection. Scrupulous hand washing and use of sanitizers should be practiced before and after attending the patients. Frequent washing of the uniform and strict adherence to stethoscope disinfection practices by health workers will minimize cross-contamination and ensure improved patient safety in the hospitals.