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Bacterial Contamination of Computer Keyboards in a Teaching Hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Maureen Schultz ,
Janet Gill ,
Sabiha Zubairi ,
Ruth Huber  and
Fred Gordin
Maureen Schultz*
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
Janet Gill
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
Sabiha Zubairi
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
Ruth Huber
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
Fred Gordin
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
*
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422
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Abstract

We tested 100 keyboards in 29 clinical areas for bacterial contamination. Ninety five were positive for microorganisms. Streptococcus, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus (including one vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus), Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, and gram-negative organisms were isolated. Computer equipment must be kept clean so it does not become another vehicle for transmission of pathogens to patients.

Type
Concise Communications
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 24 , Issue 4 , April 2003 , pp. 302 - 303
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2003

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