MICROBIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE OF SURGERY WARDS IN THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF KORÇA, ALBANIA

Infection transmission risks are present in all hospital settings. However, certain hospital settings and populations have unique conditions that predispose patients to infection and merit special intention. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial levels and the etiological structure of the pathogens in the surgery ward of the Regional Hospital of Korça. A total number of 611 samples were collected in the environments of the surgery ward in the hospital. Settle plates method was used for air samples and swabs for surfaces, laundries, health care workers and systems of aspiration-intubation-oxygen. The study revealed that 106 (17.3%) samples were positive for microbial contamination. Samples with higher prevalence of positive isolates were the samples from healthcare workers 32 (43.2%). The microorganism most isolated was Staphylococcus aureus. It was present in 81 (76.4%) of positive samples. Microbiological surveillance of operating rooms and intensive care units play an important role in reducing bacterial contamination. The microbiological quality of air and surfaces is considered a mirror image of the hygienic conditions of hospitals environment.