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Building conditions and the risk of nosocomial infection from microbial contamination of hospital appliances in a health care facility

Abstract Nosocomial infections (NIs) remain a global health burden with higher incidence in Africa. We assessed building conditions and risk of NIs from microbial contamination of appliances and surfaces in a Specialist hospital in Southwest Nigeria. The study sampled 120 surfaces in 12 wards during normal occupational activities. Moulds on ceilings and dusty surfaces were observed in the wards. Microbial burden (1038.0 × 105 cfu) peaked in the ICU but was lowest (446.9 × 105 cfu) in the male ward. Bacteria counts ( × 105 cfu) of 234.7, 199.7 and 67.0 were measured on ICU tap, doorknob and ECG, respectively. Theatre diatomy machine, anaesthetic machine and operating lamp had bacteria counts ( × 105 cfu) of 40.0, 85.0 and 109.0, respectively. Highest total fungal count (58.2 × 105 cfu) was recorded on ICU trolley handle, switch and suturing tube. Our study established surfaces as major environmental routes for NI transmission in this health care facility.