Bacterial contamination of wheelchairs in a long-term rehabilitation facility

The presence of bacterial contamination on wheelchair surfaces in long-term care facilities poses a significant risk to infection control and patient safety. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus (SA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE), Pseudomonas spp., and enteric bacteria on five key components of wheelchairs at a local long-term care facility. A total of 320 swabs were collected from wheelchair components, including handles for pushing, armrests, seats, wheel handles, and tires. Samples were analyzed using selective culture media, and bacterial species were identified based on colony morphology. The results revealed a high prevalence of SA and MRSA, with Staphylococcus aureus detected most frequently on wheel handles (90.6%) and tires (62.5%), followed by armrests (46.9%) and seats (57.8%). Pseudomonas spp. and enteric bacteria were found on seats and tires, suggesting potential fecal contamination. The findings indicate that wheelchairs, particularly the wheels and handles, serve as major vectors for microbial transmission in healthcare settings. The high contamination rates underscore the need for enhanced disinfection protocols to reduce the risk of infection in long-term care facilities. This study highlights the importance of regular wheelchair cleaning and contaminant monitoring in reducing the prevalence of potential pathogenic bacterial species on these critical rehabilitation devices.