Assessment of bacterial contamination on surgical instruments commonly used in Dutse General Hospital, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the microbial hazards associated with contaminated surgical instruments. In the operating room, medical devices that come into contact with sterile body tissues or fluids are considered critical tools that must be properly sterilized. Failure to maintain sterility can result in microbial contamination, leading to disease transmission and a significant increase in surgical site infections (SSIs). This study aimed to assess the bacterial contamination of surgical instruments at General Hospital Dutse and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolated bacteria. A total of 20 samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs from surgical instruments both before and after procedures in the Surgery Department of General Hospital Dutse, Jigawa State. The samples were cultured on selective and differential media and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The isolates were subsequently identified using standard microbiological techniques, including bacterial count, microscopy, biochemical tests, and culture characterization. The identified microorganisms included Escherichia coli (17%), Staphylococcus aureus (33%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (33%), Bacillus spp. (17%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%), which were isolated from both autoclaved and nonautoclaved surgical instruments pre- and post-operation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method. E. coli showed the highest sensitivity to meropenem (1.6 mm), while S. aureus was susceptible to gentamicin (5 mm) and novobiocin (10 mm). Bacillus spp. exhibited susceptibility to erythromycin (8 mm), and P. aeruginosa was sensitive to chloramphenicol (4 mm). These findings highlight that surgical instruments can serve as potential sources of nosocomial infections, with bacteria transferred through the hands of operating personnel or redistributed from contaminated surfaces during procedures. To prevent cross-contamination, it is essential to implement rigorous sterilization and decontamination protocols for surgical instruments. Advances in SSI control practices, including improved operating room ventilation, enhanced sterilization methods, optimized surgical techniques, and the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis, should be consistently employed to minimize infection risks.