Microbiological surveillance of operation theatre and its implications as a hospital infection indicator in a tertiary care hospital, Gujarat, India

Introduction: Microbial contamination in operating theatres is a critical concern.Effective infection control practices are essential for minimizing microbial exposure and ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures.In addition to aerobic organisms, anaerobic pathogens, particularly Clostridia spp., have been recognized for their potential to cause infections, especially in surgical wounds and abscesses.Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the levels of microbial contamination in various operating theatres, assess the effectiveness of current infection control practices, and provide evidencebased recommendations for enhancing infection prevention strategies.Materials and Methods: A total of 1140 surface samples and 540 air samples were collected from six operating theatres, including surgical, septic, orthopaedics, obstetrics, gynaecology, and gastroenterology OTs.The samples included air cultures and surface swabs from various locations.Microbial identification was performed using standard culture techniques, including anaerobic culture methods for the isolation of Clostridia spp.Results: The results indicated significant microbial contamination levels across the operating theatres.The septic OT exhibited the highest isolation rate (15.42%), while the obstetric OT had the lowest (7.64%).Surface contamination was highest on floors (36.57%), and air culture surveillance revealed the septic OT had the highest CFU/m 3 (251).Notably, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp.and Clostridia spp were among the dominant pathogens isolated, particularly in the gastroenterology and septic OTs.Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of microbiological surveillance and effective infection control practices in operating theatres.The evaluation of current practices identified gaps that need addressing, such as adherence to cleaning protocols and staff training.Implementing regular audits and enhancing training programs for healthcare workers can significantly reduce microbial contamination and improve patient outcomes.The inclusion of anaerobic organisms, particularly Clostridia spp., highlights the need for comprehensive monitoring of all potential pathogens in surgical environments.