Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Contamination on Physiotherapy Equipment Used in Selected Tertiary and Private Hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) refers to a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are genetically distinct from other strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Aims / Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus bacterial contaminations on physiotherapy equipment in selected hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. A total of Sixty-eight (68) swab samples were collected from four physiotherapy departments, two private and two tertiary hospitals. The study population is made up of 14 equipment from private hospital A, 20 from tertiary hospital B, 20 from private hospital C and 14 from tertiary hospital D. Results: The Methicillin-Resistant staphylococcus auerus contamination of electrotherapy equipment was found to have a high prevalence rate of 5(38.5%) in hospital C and D while hospital A and B shows no prevalence. Exercise therapy equipment also had a higher infection contamination and prevalence rate of 22 (36.8%) in all the hospitals, diagnostic equipment had a prevalence rate of 2(16.7%) in hospital A and hospital D while hospital B and C had no prevalence. Orthotic equipment had a prevalence rate of 1(100%) in hospital C and none in other hospitals. Walking aids showed a low prevalence rate of 1(16.7% in hospital C and none in hospital. Conclusions: Physiotherapy departments have a high risk of compromising patients’ safety through spreading infections via physiotherapy modalities.