Objective. To estimate the prevalence of bacteria isolated in samples from the hands of school-age children at a hospitalization unit.
Methodology. In 2009, strains were cultured from the hands of 90 school-age children at the pediatric hospitalization unit of Hospital Estadual Bauru (São Paulo, Brazil). After culture of the samples, the isolated bacteria were identified.
Results. In 98% of the samples taken from the children, bacteria were isolated. Coagulase-negative Staphilococcus was isolated in 64% of the samples, followed by Staphilococcus aureus (5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1%).
Conclusion. In most of the samples from the children’s hands, bacteria were isolated. Therefore, educative actions about hygiene habits in- and outside the hospital environment should be reinforced, aimed at children and their companions.
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