Investigation of Staphylococcus aureus colonization on hospital computer keyboards

Purpose: staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important microbial agents for nosocomial infections. many of hospital objects may lead to transmission of pathogens between the health workers and the patients. it is presented that the computer keyboards may be colonized with nosocomial infection pathogens. in this study, the computer keyboards at pamukkale university health, research and training center was screened for the presence of staphylococcus aureus. materials and methods: in this research 200 computer keyboard (28 from policlinics, 87 from academic personnel, 30 from doctors and nurses hospital rooms, 19 from laboratories, 12 from operating and icu, 19 other hospital service desks (ecg, puva, yag laser etc) 5 from secretaries' desks) have been included. samples were taken from computer’s enter key with saline soaked sterile swabs. samples were cultured on mannitol salt agar. staphylococcus aureus was identifi ed by conventionally and methicillin resistance was studied by disk diffusion method. results: staphylococcus aureus have been isolated from 3 (1.5%); (one of academic personnels’ and 2 of medical process usage rooms) of 200 samples. methicillin resistance has not been found. conclusion: all instruments used by healthcare professionals within the hospital environment should be taken routine nosocomial screening programs for the presence of staphylococcus aureus and they should be checked regularly. health workers must be informed about disinfection and protection.