Microbial Contamination of Computer Components in Healthcare Administrative Offices: A Cross-sectional Study in Benghazi’s Pediatric Hospital

Abstract

Background: Microbial contamination of administrative offices in healthcare settings plays an important role in the spread of infection among patients, visitors, and healthcare workers as a result of a deficiency of cleaning and disinfection practices. Aim: To evaluate the rate of microbial infection of computer components at Pediatrics Hospital in Benghazi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 21 administrative offices at a pediatric hospital in Benghazi from September to November 2021. The data was collected by taking samples (swabs) and using a multiple-choice questionnaire; it included 50 samples, and all the data was analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The highest contamination rate was observed on keyboards (69.2%), followed by the mice (66.7%). Desks showed a lower contamination rate, suggesting that handheld devices may act as primary reservoirs for microbial transmission. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus albus (40%), a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species known for its role as an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. On the other hand, it indicated that 76% of workers said they use alcohol to disinfect their computers, and 52% of them stated they clean their computers in the morning. The high contamination levels suggest that disinfection protocols may be inadequate or inconsistently applied. No significant associations were found between microbial contamination and workers’ age, qualification level, or gender. Conclusion: The findings highlight a concerning level of microbial contamination in the administrative offices of the pediatric hospital, underscoring the urgent need to apply essential precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the infection.