Contamination of Hospital Inanimate Surfaces with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing bacteria at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

by Donath Mkenda Valerian, Mtebe Majigo, Ninael Jonas, Loveness Urio, Emanuel Magembe, Reuben Abednego, Modest Benard, Doreen Kallanga, Ibrahim Mauki, Agricola Joachim Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are the most common contaminants on hospital surfaces. Hospitalized patients, especially those with cancer, have a higher likelihood of acquiring hospital-associated infections in a contaminated environment.

Outbreaks of MRSA and ESBL-producing bacteria linked to contaminated inanimate hospital surfaces are a well-documented threat. Cancer patients, who often have prolonged hospital stays, are particularly at risk of acquiring these multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.

The immunosuppressed state of cancer patients further increases their susceptibility, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality associated with these infections. This study assessed the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and factors associated with contamination of inanimate hospital surfaces by MRSA and ESBL-producing bacteria.

Materials and methods This was cross-sectional study conducted at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es salaam, Tanzania in March and April 2023.