Microbiological Contamination of Hospital Environmental Surfaces and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Cameroon
Contamination Microbiologique des Surfaces Environnementales et Profils de Résistance aux Antimicrobiens au Cameroun
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18325296Keywords:
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, environmental contamination, healthcare-associated infectionsAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represent major public health challenges globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where infection prevention and control (IPC) systems are often under-resourced. Hospital environmental surfaces may act as reservoirs for pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria, contributing to indirect transmission through healthcare workers, patients, and equipment. However, data from African settings remain limited, constraining evidence-informed environmental hygiene and AMR containment strategies. Methodology. We conducted a 2022 cross-sectional survey of high-touch surfaces in critical wards at a Yaoundé referral hospital. Using standard culture and disk diffusion methods, we identified isolates and screened for multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes, including MRSA, ESBL, and AmpC-producing organisms. Results. Overall, 84% of sampled surfaces were contaminated with at least one bacterial species, and multiple organisms were frequently recovered from single surfaces. Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli commonly isolated. Human-skin–associated bacteria accounted for 59.5% of isolates, consistent with frequent contact between surfaces and patients or healthcare workers. All Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant. Among Enterobacterales, 23.5% displayed an ESBL phenotype and 14.7% an AmpC phenotype. Contamination and resistance burdens varied by ward, with the highest levels observed in ICUs and surgical units. Conclusion. Hospital surfaces showed high multidrug-resistant bacteria levels, highlighting a neglected risk for AMR and healthcare-associated infections. Routine environmental surveillance and improved hygiene must be integrated into IPC strategies to enhance patient safety.
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. Les infections associées aux soins et la résistance aux antimicrobiens (RAM) sont des défis mondiaux majeurs, surtout dans les pays à ressources limitées. Les surfaces hospitalières servent de réservoirs aux bactéries multirésistantes, favorisant la transmission indirecte. En Afrique, le manque de données limite l'efficacité des stratégies d'hygiène et de lutte contre la RAM. Méthodologie. Nous avons mené en 2022 une étude transversale sur les surfaces à haut contact dans un hôpital de référence à Yaoundé. Par culture standard et antibiogramme, nous avons identifié les isolats et recherché les phénotypes multirésistants (SARM, BLSE, AmpC). Résultats. Environ 84 % des surfaces étaient contaminées, principalement par des bactéries à Gram négatif (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., E. coli). Les bactéries cutanées représentaient 59,5 % des isolats. Tous les Staphylococcus aureus étaient des SARM. Parmi les Entérobactéries, 23,5 % étaient productrices de BLSE et 14,7 % de AmpC, avec une prévalence accrue en réanimation et en chirurgie. Conclusion. La forte charge de bactéries multirésistantes sur les surfaces souligne un risque négligé d'infections hospitalières. La surveillance environnementale de routine et le renforcement de l'hygiène doivent être intégrés aux stratégies de prévention pour améliorer la sécurité des patients
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yap Boum, Hélène Bella Yomo, Frederique Beyala, Linda Esso, Hortense Gonsu
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