We tested 100 keyboards in 29 clinical areas for bacterial contamination. Ninety five were positive for microorganisms. Streptococcus, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus (including one vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus), Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, and gram-negative organisms were isolated. Computer equipment must be kept clean so it does not become another vehicle for transmission of pathogens to patients.

A prospective study was conducted during a 2-year period to evaluate the effectiveness of event-related outdating. Hospital-prepared sterilized items (n = 152) were shelved in wards and every 3 months, several articles were retrieved and microbiologically tested. During the 2-year period, all of the items tested were sterile.

The ability of a photosensitizer-containing cellulose acetate film to kill bacteria was evaluated. Substantial kills were achieved following irradiation of the film with white light for up to 24 hours. Applying a photosensitizer-containing coating to surfaces could reduce the environmental load of pathogens, thus helping to prevent infectious disease transmission.

There was concern that nosocomial person-to-person transmission of Burkholderia cepacia had occurred when two patients with cystic fibrosis shared a bathroom. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the two isolates were unrelated. Subsequent testing of 34 stored isolates of B. cepacia demonstrated that no particular clone predominated in our hospital.

Free-living amoebae may be pathogenic and harbor several agents of pneumonia. We tested the susceptibility of amoebal cysts and trophozoites to currently used biocides for bronchoscope decontamination. We showed that two particular biocides are inadequate for disinfecting bronchoscopes, as Acanthamoeba polyphaga survived 3 hours of exposure to these undiluted agents.

Sixty-four percent of medical residents unimmunized by the Occupational Health Service were immunized elsewhere. Those unvaccinated lacked time to comply. An immune staff is critical to prevent transmission to high-risk patients and limit absenteeism. The hospital is implementing a program to deliver medical care to the house staff.