title: Assessment of aerobic bacterial contamination of computer keyboards in a tropical setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computers are widely used in healthcare for improved and effective care. Previous published reports have shown microorganisms colonising computer keyboards in some clinical areas.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to measure, compare and characterize the aerobic microorganisms in computer keyboards of hospital and non-hospital settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples were collected from commonly used keys of computers in hospital and non-hospital settings using moistened sterile swabs, inoculated in liquid and solid media, and incubated aerobically at 37 degrees C for 24-48 h. Growth was identified as per standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined for pathogenic strains by Kirby-Bauer method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Growth was seen in all 80 samples (40 from each setting). Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from both settings (hospital: 6 MRSA, 11 MSSA; non-hospital: 4 MRSA, 9 MSSA). Gram-negative bacilli were isolated more frequently from hospital (33%). Statistical analysis showed homogeneity among isolates from computer keyboards in both settings, except for Pseudomonas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Isolation of microorganisms from "high-touch" surfaces such as computer keyboards is indicative of the need for awareness on cleaning of such surfaces or disinfection and adequate hand hygiene.
authors: Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Padma
authors: P
authors: Srikanth
authors: Sivagamasundhari
authors: S
authors: Sivasubramanian
authors: Suchithra
authors: S
authors: Sudharsanam
authors: Gurusamy
authors: G
authors: Thangavel
authors: Kalyani
authors: K
authors: Jagannathan
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003201:Computers; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D014329:Tropical Climate
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents