Summary
Introduction
Limited information is available on the kinetics of airborne multi-drug-resistant
bacteria after making patients' beds. Previous experience of bed making on loads of
meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was re-evaluated with a substantial sample size and, for the first time, simultaneous
examination of the environmental load of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
(MDRGN) was undertaken.
Methods
Airborne pathogen measurement was carried out in 26 rooms with patients with MRSA
and 25 rooms with patients with MDRGN before (−1 min) and after (1 min, 15 min, 60 min)
bed making at distances of 0 m and 3 m from the bed. Surface sampling was performed
in the patients' surroundings. Factors of potential influence were recorded.
Results
Gram-positive non-pathogenic species dominated the air samples, while Gram-negative
organisms constituted only 1.4%. Bed making shifted the proportions towards coagulase-negative
staphylococci and S. aureus. A transient increase in MRSA in room air was detected in most samples 1 min and
15 min after bed making. MDRGN were detected in the air of two patient rooms. Surface
samples showed that MRSA, but not MDRGN, was isolated regularly in the patient environment.
Correlation between airborne and surface pathogen loads after bed making was demonstrated.
Conclusions
The study results indicate the importance of wearing a face mask in combination with
cautious handling techniques when making the beds of patients carrying multi-drug-resistant
bacteria. If the carrier status of a patient is unknown, consideration should be given
to protective measures for staff and other patients present during and shortly after
bed making. Surface disinfection should not be started until at least 30 min after
bed making.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 20, 2023
Accepted:
March 11,
2023
Received:
January 12,
2023
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
