Everyday objects spread MRSA, expert claims

EVERYDAY objects frequently used in hospitals such as pens, patient notes and computer keyboards could be helping the spread of the MRSA superbug, an expert warned yesterday.

A study by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found charts, case notes, bins, pens and keyboards in an intensive care unit, staff aprons, and hands were contaminated with MRSA.

Patients in intensive care are most at risk from hospital-acquired infections, but while more than 6,000 cases of MRSA were detected in Ireland last year, there is no data on MRSA deaths.

Patient Focus spokesperson Cathriona Molloy said there were strict guidelines on infection control in Irish hospitals but it was unclear if they were being strictly adhered to.

“The guidelines state that any equipment used or apparel worn to treat patients with hospital-acquired infections should be left inside the isolation room. And, if removed, should be thoroughly cleaned,” she said.

Dr Peter Wilson, a consultant microbiologist at UCLH, outlined his research at a conference in Warwick.

He said intensive care patients were handled frequently, meaning hand hygiene was particularly important to stopping MRSA spreading.

But he said cleaning hands as often as needed was very difficult.

“If 100% compliance were enforced, 33 minutes in every hour would be spent cleaning the hands.”

Samples showed MRSA contamination on a variety of essential hospital items - but not necessarily ones that are easily cleaned, such as paper notes.

Past research raised concerns about MRSA being spread through staff clothes, including doctors’ ties.

“Once the organism is stuck on to something, unless it is cleaned, it is there for 80 days - that is how long it can survive. So that is how dependent we are on proper cleaning,” he said.

Tests using a contaminated glove found if someone had MRSA on their hands, the bacteria would be left on the following four surfaces touched.