Analysis of the Microbiota of the Physiotherapist's Environment

Abstract

Interventions: A microbiological sampling was carried out in the physiotherapy centers. The samples were studied using the usual culture and analysis methodology for characterization and isolation of a range of bacteria. Main Outcome Measures: Absolute and relative frequency of microorganism isolation. Results: In the analysis, pathogens normally responsible for nosocomial infections were detected, especially on instruments and equipment used by the physiotherapist such as sponge electrodes, and were significantly more contaminated than the rest of the places studied (P<.01). Conclusion: This situation confirms the absence of measures and protocols for the prevention and control of such infections in the physiotherapist's environment, which is why they must be considered to protect both physiotherapy professionals and patients.

Human microbiome and microbiota identification for preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections: A systematic review

“…They performed sampling from the hands of physiotherapists without previously informing them to prevent influencing their behavior (hand washing in particular). The majority of the detected microorganisms were gram-positive bacteria, in accordance with the usual microbiota of the human body, suggesting the necessity of reinforcing hand washing or even combining hand washing with the use of gloves to reduce the transmission of these bacteria among different patients ( 53 ).…”

“…In addition to these bacteria, Pérez-Fernández et al identified other important pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus , Acinetobacter spp, and Escherichia coli on the sponge electrode. In this study, sponge electrodes represented the instrumental samples with higher and more varied contamination, up to more than 20 different bacterial species, probably as the consequence of inadequate cleaning ( 53 ).…”

“…On the contrary, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus spp, and Bacillus spp were the only microorganisms identified in air samples. Their results suggested greater involvement of environmental surfaces rather than the ambient air in pathogen transmission since the former was shown to host opportunistic pathogens ( 53 ).…”

“…Indeed, different scholars, such as Pérez-Fernández et al, concluded that the accumulation and proliferation of HAI-related pathogens might be due to the absence of adequate cleaning and maintenance procedures. In particular, they stated the importance of disinfection not only for HCW, but also for the entire HE including all instruments, equipment, and anything else that has come into contact with the patient ( 53 ).…”