Computer Bugs
Mike Dubik, L. Barton · AAP Grand Rounds · 2006
Source: Rutala WA, White MS, Gergen MF, et al. Bacterial contamination of keyboards: efficacy and functional impact of disinfectants. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2006;27:372–377; doi:10.1086/503340Researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill studied the degree of microbial contamination on computer keyboards, the efficacy of 6 different disinfectants, and the cosmetic and functional effects of those disinfectants on the keyboards. Specimens were collected from the entire keyboard surface of 25 computers located in inpatient clinical areas using a single sterile swab moistened with trypticase soy broth and then sent to the laboratory for processing. All keyboards grew 2 or more microorganisms, which included both potentially pathogenic Gram positive and Gram negative organisms. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) and diptheroids were the most frequent isolates (100% and 80% of keyboards respectively) and Staphylococcus aureus and aspergillus the least common isolates (8% and 4% respectively).Seven laptop computers were then used to evaluate the effectiveness of 6 disinfectant wipes containing either chlorine, alcohol, phenol, or a quaternary ammonium compound. Sterile water was used as the control. All of the tested disinfectants and the sterile water control removed or inactivated >95% of the bacteria. No functional or cosmetic damage of the keyboards was observed. The authors conclude that microbial contamination of keyboards is prevalent and keyboards can be safely and successfully decontaminated with disinfectants. They recommend that computers used in patient care areas be disinfected daily and when visibly soiled.Dr. Dubik has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of a commercial product/device. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. Dr. Barton has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of a commercial product/device. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.That stethoscopes can be a source of infectious organisms is well appreciated.1 It should come as no great surprise that a tool many clinicians may now use more often than the stethoscope might also be a source for the spread of infection in the hospital. If everyone closely followed guidelines for hand hygiene and washed or decontaminated their hands before and after direct contact with patients, this would be less of an issue.2 However, compliance with hand hygiene is typically about 40%,2 and behavioral change remains a formidable challenge.3,4 With the move to electronic medical records, the importance of keyboards as a source of cross-contamination will only increase.AAP guidelines on infection control group computer keyboards with ballpoint pens and patient charts as sources for microbial contamination, and emphasize the importance of hand-washing before and after patient contact.5 But that may not be sufficient to keep keyboards pathogen-free. Since the keyboard looks like a familiar toy to many children, keyboards within reach of patients may be contaminated without the knowledge of staff who use the keyboards. The AAP recommends that office toys be cleaned between use and at the end of each day. In addition, it appears prudent to heed these authors’ advice and clean keyboards once a day and when visibly soiled. And… please don’t forget to wash your hands.