Strengthening Environmental Hygiene for Healthcare-associated Infections Prevention in Maternity Ward: Outstanding Findings from a Multisite Survey in the Ndé Division, West Cameroon

Background: In health facilities, mothers and their children are amongst the most vulnerable groups likely to contract healthcare-associated infections. Aim: The present investigation aimed at characterizing bacterial groups (profile, load, antibiotic susceptibility) in maternity premises of Bangangté District Hospital (BDH) and “Université des Montagnes” Teaching Hospital (UdMTH), Ndé Division – West Cameroon. Methods: From September 2nd through November 2nd, 2019, the work was focused on surfaces and airborne bacteria. Specimen collection was conducted by wet surface swabbing and passive adhesion of airborne bacteria, respectively. Isolation, enumeration, identification and susceptibility tests were carried out according to standard bacteriological protocols. Results: Out of 126 specimens collected and screened, 98.4% resulted in positive cultures. A total of 168 isolates were then recovered, consisted of Staphylococcus spp. (68% and 51%), Gram-positive rods (30% and 35%) and Gram-negative rods (2% and 14%), in UdMTH and BDH, respectively. Bacterial profile recorded were almost similar in all specimens subjected. Bacterial loads varied greatly (as low as < 10 CFU/cm² on surfaces or < 283 CFU/60 mm diameter Petri dish for airborne bacteria and as high as > 30 CFU/cm² on surfaces or > 848 CFU/60 mm diameter Petri dish for airborne bacteria). Bacterial loads appeared to be likely in connection with local activity density. Susceptibility tests revealed high resistance rates while Imipenem was most potent. Conclusion: Overall findings are reliable clue that could guide advocacy for infections prevention through mitigation of contamination risks in health facilities.