How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces: A scoping review
Lucy Porter1,2, Ola Sultan1,2, Brett Mitchell1,3, Adam Jenney4, Martin Kiernan3,5, David Brewster1,2, Philip Russo1,2,3
1Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia2Cabrini Health, Malvern, VIC, Australia3Avondale University, Cooranbong, NSW, Australia4Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, Australia5University of West London, London UK
Background
The hospital environment plays an important role in the transmission of healthcare associated infection. Patients accommodated in a room previously occupied by a patient with a multi-resistant organism are at an increased risk of acquiring that organism. This scoping review builds on a sentinel review published in 2006 that found pathogens can survive for extended periods of time. This results in a potential, ongoing reservoir for pathogen transmission. The aim of our research is to update this previous review and provide contemporary data on the survival of pathogens relevant to the healthcare environment.
Method
We used a systematic approach to search the literature. Ovid Medline, CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched for studies that described the survival time of pathogens in the environment. Studies identified in the search were independently screened in Covidence against inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers.
Results
The search identified 1735 studies. Following removal of duplicates and application of the search criteria, the synthesis of results from included studies broadly indicate that Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, can survive for months on surfaces. Most viruses, persist in the environment on surfaces for a few days. Survival times, including their range, for pathogens of specific interest to infection prevention and control will be presented.
Conclusion
Common pathogens of concern to infection prevention and control, can survive or persist on surfaces for months. These data support the need to appropriate cleaning and disinfection to help break the chain of infection in healthcare settings.
Biography
Ola Sultan is a 4th year graduate medical student at Monash University. Ola completed a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Biology and Psychology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.
Lucy Porter is a medical student at Monash University, with a particular interest in rural health and preventive medicine. She is currently involved in research work with Monash University’s Central Clinical School, Eastern Health Clinical School, and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology