Comparison of nylon-flocked swab and cellulose sponge methods for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and gram-negative organism recovery from high-touch surfaces in patient rooms

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018 Oct;39(10):1257-1261. doi: 10.1017/ice.2018.182. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

Abstract

The ideal sampling method and benefit of qualitative versus quantitative culture for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) recovery in hospitalized patient rooms and bathrooms is unknown. Although the use of nylon-flocked swabs improved overall gram-negative organism recovery compared with cellulose sponges, they were similar for CRE recovery. Quantitative culture was inferior and unrevealing beyond the qualitative results.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Baltimore
  • Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects
  • Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae / isolation & purification*
  • Culture Media / chemistry
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Patients' Rooms
  • Prospective Studies
  • Specimen Handling / methods*
  • Tertiary Care Centers

Substances

  • Culture Media