Bacteria and yeasts of nosocomial importance in a radiology department in an academic hospital

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in a significant burden on the healthcare sector. Investigations into their epidemiology and possible routes of transmission are important to enable interventions that protect patients and staff. Radiology devices are known to be colonised by microbial organisms that may act as fomites for infection. However, there is a lack of relevant data from the South African setting.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine deficiencies in infection control practices and the microbial colonisation rates and resistance profiles of devices within a radiology department.

Method: A cross-sectional, single-centre study was conducted in a radiology department in Johannesburg, South Africa. An infection prevention and control (IPC) audit was performed, and 143 swabs were collected. Swabs were cultured according to standard microbiological techniques, and focused antimicrobial resistance testing was performed.

Results: Infection prevention and control practices did not align with manufacturer recommendations. A total of 29 positive swabs were obtained (20.3%). Of these, 93.1% (n = 27) were considered commensals, while 6.9% (n = 2) were considered pathogens. No significant antimicrobial resistance mechanisms were detected.

Conclusion: The detection of pathogenic organisms demonstrates the possibility of microbial transmission between patients within the department. Infection control practices are noncompliant and require improvement to mitigate this risk. The threat of microbial dissemination remains.

Contribution: This study demonstrates the prevalence of microbes in a South African radiology department, underscoring the risk of microbial dissemination because of inadequate decontamination practices between patients.