Bacterial but no SARS-CoV-2 contamination after terminal disinfection of tertiary care intensive care units treating COVID-19 patients.

Authors :: Hofmaenner DA
Wendel Garcia PD
Duvnjak B
Chakrakodi B
Maier JD
Huber M
Huder J
Wolfensberger A
Schreiber PW
Schuepbach RA
Zinkernagel AS
Buehler PK
Brugger SD
Source :: Antimicrobial resistance and infection control [Antimicrob Resist Infect Control] 2021 Jan 12; Vol. 10 (1), pp. 11. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jan 12.
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: Background: In intensive care units (ICUs) treating patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) invasive ventilation poses a high risk for aerosol and droplet formation. Surface contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or bacteria can result in nosocomial transmission.<br />Methods: Two tertiary care COVID-19 intensive care units treating 53 patients for 870 patient days were sampled after terminal cleaning and preparation for regular use to treat non-COVID-19 patients.<br />Results: A total of 176 swabs were sampled of defined locations covering both ICUs. No SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) was detected. Gram-negative bacterial contamination was mainly linked to sinks and siphons. Skin flora was isolated from most swabbed areas and Enterococcus faecium was detected on two keyboards.<br />Conclusions: After basic cleaning with standard disinfection measures no remaining SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected. Bacterial contamination was low and mainly localised in sinks and siphons.

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