Microbiological characterization of the surface contamination in surgical room areas in a Hospital in Sao Paulo (Brazil)

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the microorganisms present on surface areas of surgical rooms, in a medium-sized hospital in Sao Paulo state (Brazil).Materials and methodSixty samples were collected with the aid of sterile swabs soaked in peptone water and rubbed into quadrants of 20cm2. The surfaces investigated were: medication tables, surgical tables, marble countertops and air conditioning grilles.ResultsStaphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative, was the microorganism most frequently found on the surgical tables and on the medication tables (50.7% of the samples). This microorganism is also the most frequent cause of post-surgical infection at the same hospital.ConclusionsProphylactic measures should include proper hand washing, the use of personal protective equipment, appropriate uniforms, and cleaning and sterilization of surface and medical and hospital equipment