Correlation between bacterial pathogens transfer in healthcare workers and patients: A study from paediatric ICU and nursery of a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Cross transmission of microorganisms by the hands of healthcare workers is the main route of spread of health care associated infections (HCAI) as they provide essential services to the patients. HCAI has increased the morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients especially the ones admitted in Paediatric ICU and nursery. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to isolate bacteria from hands of resident doctors and nursing staff from Paediatric ICU and nursery and to correlate them with the patients sample isolates from same Paediatric ICU and Nursery during the same time period. Material and Methods: Fingertips of subjects were directly stabbed on MacConkey agar and Blood agar plates. Antibiogram of isolated pathogens was also determined by standard methods. Observations: Hands of 60% healthcare workers were culture positive. Predominant isolate were Coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (73.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (10%), Enterococcus and Acinetobacter spp. (each 6.6%). Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (50%) were also observed. Conclusion: Implementation and improving the compliance to hand hygiene may result in order to reduce cross infection from health care workers to patients. © 2014 Lavanya J, et al.