Die kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe bepaling van patogeniese bakteriee in linne vanaf brandwondeenhede in hospitale

Abstract

A study was conducted from August 1995 to July 1996 concerning the health risk exposed during the handling hospital burn units. to which laundry of contaminated workers linen are from Microbiological analyses were carried out on linen from the burn units of the Pelonomi and Manapo hospitals in the Free State Province, South Africa . Samples were taken to determine the presence of the following bacteria : Pseudomonas spp., P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus spp., S . aureus, Streptococcus spp., S . pyogenes, Coli forms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and E. faecalis. The analyses were repeated at the Central and Manapo laundry to determine the die-off or increase in bacteria during transport to the laundry . Microbiological analysis of the air at the sampling points was done to determine if bacteria had spread from the wounds and linen to the air. Most of the bacteria present in burnwounds were found to be transferred by contact to the linen. These bacteria survived on the sheets as a result of moisture and organic material present . Bacteria had spread from the sheets to the air mainly by rough handling of linen. The presence of bacteria in the air showed a relationship with the roughness of handling of sheets. An occupational health questionnaire was completed by 96 linen handlers . Certain aspects were accentuated namely the lack of occupational health training, the improper use of personal protective clothing and the high incidence of diseases. The microbiological analysis using and completion Bloemfontein hotel of questionnaires and laundry as the were repeated control group . Much smaller numbers of the abovementioned bacteria were present on the sheets and in the air at this locality. It was found that opportunistic pathogens were present on linen and in the air of the burn units and laundries . During the time of study no count of streptococcus pyogenes was found on the linen and air samples. It became evident that linen handlers are not trained regarding the handling of contaminated linen. Sufficient training of linen handlers in the correct use of safety equipment and the handling of contaminated linen is recommended. occupational Such training health risk in their will cut down work environment.