A methodology for using Lambda phages as a proxy for pathogen transmission in hospitals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

One major concern in hospitalized patients is acquiring infections from pathogens borne on surfaces, patients, and healthcare workers (HCWs). Fundamental to controlling healthcare-associated infections is identifying the sources of pathogens, monitoring the processes responsible for their transmission, and evaluating the efficacy of the procedures employed for restricting their transmission.

Aim

To present a method using the bacteriophage Lambda (λ) to achieve these ends.

Methods

Defined densities of multiple genetically marked λ phages were inoculated at known hotspots for contamination on high-fidelity mannequins. HCWs then entered a pre-sanitized simulated hospital room and performed a series of patient care tasks on the mannequins. Sampling occurred on

SUBMITTER: Burke KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10795484 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature