Inanimate Surfaces as a Source of Hospital Infections Caused by Fungi, Bacteria and Viruses with Particular Emphasis on SARS-CoV-2

The carriers of nosocomial infections are the hands of medical personnel and inanimate surfaces. Both hands and surfaces may be contaminated as a result of contact with the patient, their body fluids, and touching contaminated surfaces in the patient's surroundings. Visually clean inanimate sur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2022-07, Vol.19 (13), p.8121
Main Authors: Jabłońska-Trypuć, Agata, Makuła, Marcin, Włodarczyk-Makuła, Maria, Wołejko, Elżbieta, Wydro, Urszula, Serra-Majem, Lluis, Wiater, Józefa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Biocides
Biofilms
Body fluids
COVID-19
Cross Infection - epidemiology
Cross Infection - microbiology
Cross Infection - prevention & control
Disinfection
Epidemics
Fungi
Gram-positive bacteria
Health facilities
Hospitals
Humans
Humidity
Infectious diseases
Medical personnel
Microorganisms
Nosocomial infection
Nosocomial infections
Pathogens
Patients
Review
Salmonella
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Stainless steel
Viruses
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Summary:The carriers of nosocomial infections are the hands of medical personnel and inanimate surfaces. Both hands and surfaces may be contaminated as a result of contact with the patient, their body fluids, and touching contaminated surfaces in the patient's surroundings. Visually clean inanimate surfaces are an important source of pathogens. Microorganisms have properties thanks to which they can survive in unfavorable conditions, from a few days to several months. Bacteria, viruses and fungi are able to transmit from inanimate surfaces to the skin of the patient and the medical staff. These pathogens include SARS-CoV-2, which can survive on various types of inanimate surfaces, being a potential source of infection. By following the recommendations related to washing and disinfecting hands and surfaces, and using appropriate washing and disinfecting agents with a broad biocidal spectrum, high material compatibility and the shortest duration of action, we contribute to breaking the chain of nosocomial infections.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph19138121