Bacterial contamination in computers keyboards used in university hospital of northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The technological advance allows the insertion of computers in the hospital environment, being neededto the execution of tests, record the patient information or doctor's personal use. Thirtyone samples ofcomputer keyboards from the Hospital "Professor Alberto Antunes", at the Federal University of Alagoas,Brazil (UFAL), were subjected to microbiological analysis in the period from February to June 2011. Thecolonies that were isolated were subsequently morphologically and biochemically analyzed, including by automated method (VITEK®). Among the sectors monitored, the following bacteria were detected:Acinetobacter baumannii (Obstetrical Clinic), Pseudomonas stutzeri (General Medicine and Maternity),P. oryzihabitans (Pediatrics), Enterobacter cancerogenus (Chemotherapy Sector), E. cloacae (NeonatalIntensive Care Unit), Enterococcus faecium (Oncology Nursing Sector), Sphingomonas paucimobilis(Ophtalmology Sector) and  Rhizobium radiobacter (rooming). From these,  P. oryzihabitans, E.cancerogenus and S. paucimobilis showed resistance to antibiotics commonly recommended. Therefore, the hospital computer keyboards can play in the spread of pathogens and should be part of theroutine disinfection of the hospital. Cover with protective film and the adoption of preventive measuressuch as hand washing are important.