The pivotal role of rigorous disinfection in controlling pathogenic spread within healthcare settings has been the topic of numerous investigations. One such study, conducted at three university hospitals in Gorgan, Iran, aimed to scrutinize the functional impact and efficacy of different disinfectants in curbing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). Data related to the disinfectants employed and microbiological examinations were gathered over a period of six months, from May to October 2023.
These disinfectants, which ranged from intermediate to high-level, were used in alignment with the protocols outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study revealed that about 31.6% of the samples had at least one microorganism, highlighting areas for improvement in disinfection processes. Examining this result, the high prevalence of these microbes, especially in intensive care areas, underscores the urgent need for improving disinfection protocol adherence, enhancing education intervention for healthcare professionals, and the necessity for regular monitoring by infection control committees.
Such measures could significantly minimize the presence of pathogens in the hospital environment. The study draws attention to HAIs as one of the key challenges faced by healthcare systems. These infections, which patients acquire during or after receiving medical care, contribute significantly to overall healthcare costs, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and compromised patient safety. With a startlingly high incidence rate of HAIs in various income economies, the focus of healthcare professionals is shifting towards managing infectious diseases by combining a multifaceted approach, underpinned by effective disinfection protocols.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exemplified the vital role played by rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures in preventing disease spread. The study also spotlights the high rate of microbial contamination found in ICU, emergency, and internal medicine wards. The data also indicated that all the disinfectants employed by the hospitals under study had received approval from Iran’s Health Ministry and complied with WHO protocols, suggesting a need for more improved disinfection effective methods.
Lastly, the presence of pathogens even in sterile medical instruments emphasizes the critical need for proper disinfection and sterilization procedures. These findings further drive home the importance of ground-level workers, like those involved in cleaning duties, strictly adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines while preparing and applying disinfectant solutions. Importantly, the oversight and monitoring of these disinfection processes by the head of the infection control unit in each hospital could further ensure effective disinfection and subsequently decrease the risk of HAIs.
Source: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09985-8