An evaluation of frequencies and types of bacterial pathogens in personnel gowns, before and after washing with sodium hypochlorite 5%, in Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Birjand, Iran

Microbial contamination of hospital gowns is the main reason for the dissemination of nosocomial infections. Bacteria are the cause of most of these contaminations. The present study aimed at determining the frequencies and types of bacterial pathogens on the surface of personnel gowns, before and after washing with sodium hypochlorite 5% in Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Birjand, Iran. Methods: In the current study, the sampling was carried out in two steps, before and after washing with sodium hypochlorite. Sampling was performed with a sterile swap in the transport medium. Samples were incubated for 3 h and were cultured on blood agar and eosin methylene blue agar. After overnight incubation and colonization, the identification was conducted using macroscopic, microscopic, rapid enzymatic, and biochemical tests. Results: The most common bacterium before washing was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the least common was Enterobacter cloacae. It was revealed that sodium hypochlorite exert the most profound effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas the least effect was detected on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conclusions: The type of bacteria involved in nosocomial infections could be different among hospitals. Sodium hypochlorite 5% is recommended for washing hospital gowns to reduce bacterial contamination.