UURIMISTÖÖDE ARTIKLID
OPORTUNISTLIKE PATOGEENIDE ESINEMINE HAIGLAS KASUTATAVATES TAVALISTES JA PNEUMAPURE™-i FILTRIGA SLEEPANGELI PATJADES Occurrence of opportunistic pathogens on regular pillows and „SleepAngel“ pillows with PNEUMAPURE™ filter used in hospital Diana Didenko, Ülle Parm, Silver Türk
Abstract Hospital environment plays a significant role in the spread of nosocomial pathogens in healthcare settings. Reusable vinyl covered hospital pillows can potentially harbour nosocomial pathogens, however renewing hospital bedding for impermeable textiles can reduce the spread of hospital infections. The aim of this study was to count, identify and compare bacteria isolated from two different kind of pillows (regular and SleepAngel) after three months of usage in the Maternity Ward of Turku University Hospital. Microbiological samples have been collected from the pillow surface, by using contact plates and from inside of pillows, counted and identified on species level by the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. Pillows with the disinfectable surface and a filter (SleepAngel, n=32), which blocks the entry of microorganisms, have been compared with regular hospital pillows with pillow protectors (n=32). The most common microbes isolated from the surface of regular pillows were Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.3 %), Micrococcus luteus (16.4 %) and from the surface of a regular pillow, were also isolated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (0.2%). A third of identified species may represent a risk for people with a weakened immune system and newborns. The results of the study have shown that filter pillow 180
