Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of common bacterial pathogens on fomites at ICU and Surgical Ward of Mulago National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Hospital surfaces are potential reservoirs for nosocomial pathogens, contributing to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). This study evaluated bacterial contamination and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of pathogens isolated from high-touch surfaces in the ICU and Surgical wards at Mulago Hospital. Methods: A total of 228 swab samples were collected from fomites in ICU and Surgical wards.Bacterial isolation and identification were performed, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing against commonly used antibiotics. Overall, 50% of samples were contaminated, with the Surgical ward showing higher contamination (55.3%) than the ICU (44.7%). The predominant pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (25.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.8%) and Acinetobacter species. High contamination was noted on bed rails, door handles and sinks. Resistance to ceftriaxone and piperacillin–tazobactam was notable among Gram negative bacteria, though all isolates remained fully sensitive to imipenem. P. aeruginosa showed 94.4% resistance to ciprofloxacin but 100% susceptibility to piperacillin–tazobactam. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected in 20.7% of isolates; all S. aureus and Enterococcus species were vancomycin-sensitive. High levels of bacterial contamination and antimicrobial resistance exist on hospital surfaces, posing a significant risk for HAIs. Carbapenems and vancomycin remain effective treatment options for resistant isolates. Recommendations: Periodic microbial audits, enhanced cleaning protocols targeting high touch surfaces, and culture-guided antibiotic prescriptions are essential to reduce infection risks and guide antimicrobial stewardship. Hospital-acquired infections, nosocomial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, high-touch surfaces, Intensive Care Unit, surgical ward, Mulago National Referral Hospital, bacterial contamination, antibiotic susceptibility