BACTERIOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION IN BATHROOMS OF BASIC HEALTH UNITS IN THE COUNTIES OF NORTHWEST OF SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

Infections related to health care (IRHC), which are those acquired during the provision of health care, are one of the major public health problem in Brazil and in the worldwide. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteriological specimens in surfaces of bathrooms at Basic Health Units located in counties of Northwest of São Paulo State, Brazil. The collections were made in May, 2014 by using sterile swabs soaked in saline solution, covering doorknobs, faucets and flush valves, and surfaces of 16 bathrooms situated at four Basic Health Units, totalizing 48 samples. From the 48 collected samples, 79 strains were identified, which were grouped into 14 types of microrganisms with prevalence of Gram-positive (49%), Staphylococcus aureus (13%) and Serratia rubidaeae (12%). Among the analyzed surfaces, taps showed the highest contamination degree. Furthermore, it was found that the most contaminated bathrooms were those intended for the exclusive use of employees. Such evidence shows there is need for awareness of good hygiene practices by health professionals and the community in order to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission.