Characterization of hygiene habits and environments in children's care homes

OBJECTIVE

Identify the hygiene habits of children and caregivers in order to prevent and control infectious diseases in care environments in Bogotá, Colombia, as well as characterize the surface bacteria in these environments.

METHOD

Instruments were designed, validated and applied to evaluate healthy habits, with samples taken from surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, halls, mats, and tools in 230 locations. Th e isolated bacteria were classifi ed using automated methodologies.

RESULTS

A total of 699 bacteria were isolated, with the largest growth percentage found in kitchens (36%). Th ese results are contrary to what was observed, where most of the kitchens appeared to be clean. In the survey, 93% of the caregivers reported washing their hands before handling food, and 23% said they used personal protection items when handling food.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for monitoring and interventions in hygiene and care habits in environments that care for children.

Implementing the MRSA recommendations made by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) of 1999 - current considerations by the DGKH Management Board

In Germany, recommendations on dealing with patients who are colonised with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) for the inpatient sector have been published in 1999 by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO). Some challenges arise with regard to the practical implementation of the KRINKO recommendations. These challenges do not principally question the benefit of the recommendations but have come into criticism from users. In this commentary the German Society for Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) discusses some controversial issues and adds suggestions for unresolved problems regarding the infection control management of MRSA in healthcare settings.