Contaminação bacteriana em teclados de computadores utilizados em hospital universitário do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

The technological advance allows the insertion of computers in the hospital environment, being needed to the execution of tests, record the patient information or doctor's personal use. Thirtyone samples of computer keyboards from the Hospital "Professor Alberto Antunes", at the Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil (UFAL), were subjected to microbiological analysis in the period from February to June 2011. The colonies that were isolated were subsequently morphologically and biochemically analyzed, including by automated method (VITEK®). Among the sectors monitored, the following bacteria were detected: Acinetobacter baumannii (Obstetrical Clinic), Pseudomonas stutzeri (General Medicine and Maternity), P. oryzihabitans (Pediatrics), Enterobacter cancerogenus (Chemotherapy Sector), E. cloacae (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Enterococcus faecium (Oncology Nursing Sector), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (Ophtalmology Sector) and Rhizobium radiobacter (rooming). From these, P. oryzihabitans, E. cancerogenus and S. paucimobilis showed resistance to antibiotics commonly recommended. Therefore, the hospital computer keyboards can play in the spread of pathogens and should be part of the routine disinfection of the hospital. Cover with protective film and the adoption of preventive measures such as hand washing are important.