Prevalence of nosocomial pathogens in German ambulances : the SEKURE study

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OBJECTIVE: The increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria is a problem in the inpatient care setting, and in the emergency care system. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of pathogens on well-defined surfaces in German ambulances that have been designated as 'ready for service'.

METHODS: After informed consent was obtained, ambulance surfaces were sampled with agar plates for microbiological examination during an unannounced visit. A standardised questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the disinfection protocols used at each rescue station.

RESULTS: Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus contamination was present in 18 sampling surfaces from 11 out of 150 ambulance vehicles (7%) that were designated as ready for service. Contact surfaces directly surrounding patients or staff were most frequently contaminated with pathogens. However, bacterial contamination was not related to annual missions, methods or frequency of disinfection.

CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with previous studies, disinfection and cleaning of areas with direct contact to patients or staff seem to be the most challenging. This should also be reflected in disinfection guidelines and the related continuing education.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2015

Erschienen:

2015

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:32

Enthalten in:

Emergency medicine journal : EMJ - 32(2015), 5 vom: 25. Mai, Seite 409-11

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Wepler, M [VerfasserIn]
Stahl, W [VerfasserIn]
von Baum, H [VerfasserIn]
Wildermuth, S [VerfasserIn]
Dirks, B [VerfasserIn]
Georgieff, M [VerfasserIn]
Hafner, S [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

9002-18-0
Agar
Bacterial
Culture Media
Infectious diseases
Journal Article
Management, emergency department management
Observational Study
Prehospital care
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Risk management

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 05.01.2016

Date Revised 17.03.2022

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1136/emermed-2013-202551

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM246548223