Nursing journal, Vol. 28 No. 3, 2023.
Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.28.3.5
Bacterial contamination of used surgical masks among high-risk ward staff
Morana Magaš
orcid.org/0000-0001-9034-3784
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska / Fakultet zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Davorka Švegar
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Ivana Škrobonja
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Nina Jajaš
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska / Fakultet zdravstvenih studija Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Mihaela Kranjčević-Ščurić
; Specijalna bolnica za medicinsku rehabilitaciju Krapinske Toplice, Gajeva 2, 49217 Krapinske Toplice, Hrvatska / Sveučilište Sjever Sveučilišni centar Varaždin, Odjel sestrinstvo, Jurja Križanića 31b, 42000 Varaždin, Hrvatska
Maja Abram
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska / Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Zavod za mikrobiologiju i parazitologiju, Braće Branchetta 20, 51 000 Rijeka, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Introduction: Protective masks become contaminated through use, with the microbiota of the nasal and oral cavities as well as facial skin. We have investigated whether masks could become a source of microorganisms and pose a risk for the transmission of healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to compare the microbial burden on masks, vestibulum nasi, and hands of healthcare workers to identify potential risks.
Methods: A one-day prevalence study was conducted in November 2022 in the hematology department of a tertiary hospital. The inclusion criterion was the fact that the worker was directly involved in caring for inpatients that morning. Swabs were taken from the nose, hands, and masks. Participants were divided into two groups: those who wore the mask for up to 30 minutes and those who wore it for over 1 hour. Swabs were processed using standard microbiological methods.
Results: Out of 10 participants, 5 wore the mask for around 30 minutes, and the remaining 5 wore it for over 1 hour. The first group showed no positive microbiological findings. In the second group, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus warneri were isolated in three out of five participants. The nasal colonization by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was detected in one case. In two cases, the same species, S. hominis and S. warneri, as on their masks were identified. Hand swabs remained sterile in nine workers, while in one case, Bacillus species were isolated.
Discussion with Conclusion: Within one hour of use, protective masks can harbor bacteria found in nose or facial skin of healthcare workers. Prolonged use may lead to an increase in bacterial counts and contamination with various types of microorganisms, representing a significant risk to biological safety. Strengthening hand hygiene practices minimizes the risk of infections and enhances patient and staff safety.
Ključne riječi
protective surgical mask; swab; vestibulum nasi; bacterial contamination
Hrčak ID:
311104
URI
Datum izdavanja:
15.12.2023.
Posjeta: 259 *