Contamination of hospital curtains with healthcare-associated pathogens

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2008 Nov;29(11):1074-6. doi: 10.1086/591863.

Abstract

In a culture survey, we found that 42% of hospital privacy curtains were contaminated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci, 22% with ethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and 4% with Clostridium difficile. Hand imprint cultures demonstrated that these pathogens were easily acquired on hands. Hospital curtains are a potential source for dissemination of healthcare-associated pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bedding and Linens / microbiology*
  • Clostridioides difficile / isolation & purification
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Enterococcus / isolation & purification
  • Equipment Contamination* / statistics & numerical data
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Hand / microbiology
  • Hospitals / statistics & numerical data*
  • Housekeeping, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Vancomycin Resistance