Bacterial Contamination of Inanimate Surfaces and Equipment, Distribution and Susceptibility Patterns in Pediatric Wards at a Northern Tanzania Zonal Referral Hospital

BackgroundHospital-acquired infections (HAIs) represent a significant global health concern, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Globally, bacterial contamination of hospital surfaces and equipment has been identified as a critical pathway for the transmission of nosocomial infections. Despite its significance, the extent of surface and equipment contamination in pediatric wards at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) remains underexplored. This study aims to determine the proportion of bacterial contamination of inanimate surfaces and equipment, distribution and susceptibility patterns in pediatric wards at Northern Tanzania Zonal Referral Hospital. MethodologyA descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in pediatric wards from May to August 2021. The study was conducted at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, a Northern Tanzania Zonal referral Hospital. Swabs were collected from inanimate surfaces and equipment and cultured on general-purpose media, differential media, and enriched media which were MacConkey agar, Blood agar and Chocolate agar to identify the bacteria isolated. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results206 (86.6%) were positive for bacterial growth. Gram-negative bacteria were the most predominant bacteria identified 304 (82.4%) in which E. coli was the leading isolate 114 (30.9%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 93 (25.2%), Klebsiella oxytoca 44 (11.9%), Klebsiella pneumonia 41 (11.1%), Acinetobacter species 10 (2.7%), Proteus vulgaris 1 (0.3%) and Citrobacter species 1 (0.3%). Gram-positive isolates were 65 (17.6%) in which CoNS were 58 (15.7%) and S. aureus 7 (1.9%). ConclusionIn pediatric wards, surfaces and equipment can harbor diverse pathogenic bacteria with the potential to cause hospital-acquired infections to patients especially immuno-compromised or critically ill patients. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to assess infection prevention practices, implement regular disinfection programs and raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the potential for pathogen transmission from hospital surfaces and equipment.