Improving infection control in a veterinary hospital: a detailed study on patterns of faecal contamination to inform changes in practice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the cleanliness and microbial burden of a veterinary hospital to establish the extent of cross-contamination with faecal bacteria as an aid to reducing nosocomial infections. Enterococci and Escherichia coli were used as faecal indicator organisms as they can survive on inanimate surfaces for months and pose a threat to animal health. The study consisted of several elements: (i) a cross-sectional study to identify sites currently contaminated with faecal organisms that could be usefully included in a longitudinal study, (ii) a 3-week longitudinal study to identify sites from which faecal bacteria were repeatedly recovered, (iii) once-off monitoring of hand hygiene, (iv) a review of all hospitalised cases with confirmed E.

SUBMITTER: Singaravelu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9924846 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature