Microbial contamination and infection control measures: experience of a medical complex

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to measure the level of microbial contamination (MC) of instruments/objects and inanimate surfaces in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Obstetrics Operation Theatre (OOT) in Al-Shifa Medical Complex, and to determine the optimal infection control measures. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. A total of 258 microbiological samples from inanimate surfaces were surveyed. Samples of 245 swabs were taken from different sites and equipment. In additions, 48 samples from the disinfectant and cleansing materials used inside NICUs and OTs was examined for the presence of MC. Monthly surveys continued over six months and IPC implementations were applied based on the results. Results The surveillance yielded that all samples from inanimate surfaces were contaminated, 44% and 34.3% in the NICUs and OOTs respectively. The prevalent bacteria were Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Escherichia (E.) coli, Kelibsela, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS ). The examination of disinfectant and cleansing materials showed low efficacy. Applying IPC measures decreased MC to 23% in environmental surfaces. Conclusion Periodic surveillance, regular training of working staff on IPC procedures, monitoring their adherence, and consider the use of an optimized cleaning and disinfection protocol including proven active disinfectants applied by wipes as well as airborne-disinfection procedures.