Bacterial Contamination of Computer Keyboard Computers of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardebil

Introduction and Objectives: There are many reports about the environmental pollution of hospitals such as doors, pressure gauge, ventilator, bedside and many other devices with pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and enterobacteria, which leads to hospital infections. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of computers in different parts of the hospital. The work of the hospital staff with the computer and then the referral to the patients is part of their daily routine. It can also be said that the hands of the staff and the hospital environment play a role in the transmission of hospital infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the contamination of computer keyboards with the organisms producing infectious diseases. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from physiologically-stained swabs from 25 key computers in hospitals. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were prepared using standard anoximet extraction system. The colonies were identified according to microbiological methods. Results: All computers studied were infected with at least one bacterium. Known pathogenic bacteria colonized 9.3% of computers, while 80.8% of them were infected with organisms that could, in certain clinical conditions, be able to develop a hospital infection. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated bacterium. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the amount of contamination is higher than that of other studies, which may be due to the inappropriate use of disinfectants. Keyboard and mouse Computers are cloned with pathogenic bacteria and should be regularly sanitized and disinfected. The use of plastic sheets on computer keyboards is recommended.

Keywords:

bacterial contamination , computer keyboard , Staphylococcus aureus , Ardebil