Highlights
- •Fabrics have been established as fomites causing HAIs
- •Transfer of bacteria between fabrics and surrogate skin monitored in the study
- •Smoother surfaces and higher frictional force encourage transfer
- •Surface energy and absorbency also crucial factors in transfer of bacteria
Background
Contaminated textiles serve as fomites in healthcare settings. The extent of transfer
of pathogens from fabrics depends on the surface properties of the 2 contact surfaces.
Methods
In the current study, the effect of surface energy and surface roughness of fabrics
on the transfer of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to and from textiles to surrogate skin were determined. Three fabrics (100% cotton,
100% polyester, and 50-50 blend of cotton and polyester) having identical constructional
parameters, were characterised on the basis of surface roughness, and energy. Assessment
of transfer of bacteria was carried out by bringing the matrix seeded with inoculum
in contact with the sterilized matrix for a predetermined period of time, followed
by dislodging of cells from the recipient surface by vortexing, and plating.
Results and Discussion
Results showed that 100% polyester attracted the highest number of bacterial cells
compared to the others. It also released the maximum number of bacteria upon coming
in contact with surrogate skin. Properties of fabrics like absorbency, surface energy,
and surface roughness, simultaneously affected transfer.
Conclusions
It is advisable to minimize the use of 100% polyester in healthcare settings to curb
the transfer load of bacteria from one surface to another.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: November 11, 2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
