PREVALENCE OF THE MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION ON THE EXPOSED SURFACE OF APRON USED BY HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN HOSPITAL SET-UP IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Aprons used by healthcare workers may become contaminated during routine clinical work and may act as a possible source of cross-contamination in hospital areas. Aim was to determine microbial contamination on the exposed surface of aprons used by healthcare workers and to identify the micro-organisms isolated. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in collaboration with the Departments of Microbiology, Dentistry and Otolaryngology at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Seventy-eight healthcare workers were included. Sterile swabs were collected from the right and left sleeves and right and left pocket areas on three consecutive days. A total of 936 swabs were processed. Samples were inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 18–24 hours. Microbial isolates were identified using standard bacteriological methods. Data were analysed using R software and presented as frequency and percentage. Results: Microbial contamination was detected on 24 of 78 aprons. The prevalence was 30.8% with an exact 95% confidence interval of 20.8%–42.2%. Among 936 swabs, 39 (4.2%) showed microbial growth. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Micrococcus were the most common isolates and each accounted for 17 (43.6%) positive cultures. Gram-positive bacilli were isolated from five (12.8%) samples. The right pocket area showed the highest contamination with 12 of 234 swabs positive (5.1%). Conclusion: Microbial contamination was present on nearly one-third of aprons used by healthcare workers. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Micrococcus were the predominant isolates. Regular laundering and proper hand hygiene may help reduce contamination