Hospital Window Components Act as a Potential Source of Hospital-Associated Infections

Background:Previous studies demonstrate an exchange of bacteria between hospital room surfaces, room, and patients, and that light reduces the survival of microorganisms in dust inside buildings. This pilot study sought to identify whether living microorganisms, including the pathogens Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), were present on window components and whether relative light exposure impacts microbial communities on hospital surfaces.Methods:Environmental dust samples were collected from 30 patient rooms from a single ward at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. Sampling locations within each room included the window surface, both sides of the window curtains, two surfaces of the window frames, and air return grilles. Bacterial abundances were quantified using qPCR. The viable bacterial community was determined using the 16S rRNA gene V3/V4 region.Results:Viable bacteria occupied all sampled locations, but was not associated with a specific hospital surface or sunlight amount. Bacterial abundance was positively correlated with distance from the center staff area. Bacterial communities were similar between windows and the rest of the room. Viable C. difficile was undetectable. Viable MRSA was detected at very low abundance.Conclusion:Occupant activity appears to drive microbial deposition and community structure. Hospital window components possess similar microbial communities to other previously identified room reservoirs for hospital associated infections.