Is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination of ward-based computer terminals a surrogate marker for nosocomial MRSA transmission and handwashing compliance?
A survey of two acute district general hospitals (A and B) was undertaken to investigate the extent of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination of ward-based computer terminals. Of 25 terminals examined, MRSA was identified in six (24%). Environmental contamination was of a low level. Five of the MRSA positive terminals were from hospital A which had a significantly higher rate of MRSA transmission compared to hospital B (1.02 vs. 0.49 new inpatient MRSA cases per 100 hospital admissions for 1999). MRSA containment and handwashing policies were similar at both hospitals, though only hospital B actively audited handwashing compliance and had a 44% higher rate of paper towel usage per hospital bed. Ward-based computer terminals pose a low risk of MRSA cross-infection. This risk can be further reduced if all staff wash their hands before and after patient contact.
Devine
J
J
Departments of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, District General Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD, UK.
Cooke
R P
RP
Wright
E P
EP
D016288:Computer Terminals; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000592:standards*; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus