Evaluation of Transient Microbial Flora on Biometric System as a Potential Source of Infection in Tertiary Care Hospitals

In developing countries, along with the Health Care Providers, Inanimate objects plays a critical role in microbial transmission so also the ability of the microorganism to survive on inanimate objects to cause Hospital Acquired Infections. The purpose of this Study was to evaluate transient microbial flora on Biometric System as a potential Source of infection in hospital settings.

The Cross-sectional Analytical study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, attached to a Tertiary Care Hospitals in Central India after obtaining ethical clearance over a time period of two months.

Ten out of 30 samples evaluated showed growth of Staphylococcus aureus of which 7 (70%) were found to be MRSA & 3(30%) MSSA when tested using Cefoxitin Disk Diffusion Test. MRSA strain were found to be resistant to Erythromycin, Ampicillin, Clindamycin & Cefepime and both MRSA & MSSA strains were sensitive to Co-trimoxazole. Biometric systems in Medical Hospital were found to be carrying the microorganisms more than that of Dental Hospitals and that too which are being used by Para-Clinical faculties.

Present study highlights the need of sensitization & training sessions regarding hand hygiene practices among the health care workers and regular cleaning of inanimate objects like Biometric device for reduction of HAIs.