Cited 2 times since 2021 (0.6 per year) source: EuropePMC Infection prevention in practice, Volume 3, Issue 2, 28 4 2021, Pages 100129 Association of environmental surface contamination with hand hygiene and infections in nursing homes: a prospective cohort study. Teesing GR, de Graaf M, Petrignani M, Erasmus V, Klaassen CHW, Schapendonk CME, Verduijn-Leenman A, Schols JMGA, Vos MC, Koopmans MPG, Richardus JH, Voeten H
Background
Little is known about the presence of infections in nursing home residents, the causative micro-organisms, how hand hygiene (HH) influences the presence of infections in residents, and the extent to which environmental contamination is associated with the incidence of infection among residents.
Aims
To establish if environmental contamination can be used as an indicator for HH compliance, and if environmental contamination is associated with the incidence of infection.
Methods
Environmental surface samples (ESS) were collected in an exploratory study as part of a HH intervention in 60 nursing homes. ESS results from three distinct surfaces (nurses' station, communal toilet and residents' shared living area) were compared with nurses' HH compliance and the incidence of infection among residents. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect norovirus genogroup I and II, rhinovirus and Escherichia coli. HH compliance was measured by direct observation. The incidence of infection was registered weekly.
Findings
Rhinovirus (nurses' station: 41%; toilet: 14%; living area: 29%), norovirus (nurses' station: 18%; toilet: 12%; living area: 16%) and E. coli (nurses' station: 14%; toilet: 58%; living area: 54%) were detected. No significant (P<0.05) associations were found between HH compliance and the presence of micro-organisms. An association was found between E. coli contamination and the incidence of disease in general (P=0.04). No other associations were found between micro-organisms and the incidence of disease.
Conclusion
Rhinovirus, norovirus and E. coli were detected on surfaces in nursing homes. No convincing associations were found between environmental contamination and HH compliance or the incidence of disease. This study provides reference data about surface contamination.
