Bacterial cultures in burn patients' mattresses

Abstract

Background: The hospital bed and, especially, mattresses and pillows, which are in direct contact with patients, pose a potential risk of infection for the patient if not adequately decontaminated. The aim of this study was to examine the bacterial cultures of the mattresses in burn center and the correlation between the bacterial cultures of the burn patients and their mattresses. Methods: Three bacterial samples from the mattresses of 11 burn patients were taken during the treatment in the burn center, resulting in 28 samples. Results: The most common bacteria in mattress swabs were coagulase-negative staphylococci, typical skin normal bacterial flora. Pathogens problematic to burns patients (pseudomonas and acinetobacteria) transferred from the patients to mattresses. Some bacteria were found only in the mattresses. Conclusions: Our data show that bacterial transfer from the patient to mattress is possible. We recommend that, as a part of the infection control program, burn centers should monitor the decontamination of mattresses by sampling them after disinfections. Level of Evidence: Level IV, diagnostic study. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.