A recent study found Candidozyma auris transfers to the gloves and gowns of healthcare workers in 29% of cases.
The study, published Sept. 8 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, analyzed the risk factors for C. auris transmission in acute care hospitals, using healthcare personnel gloves and gowns as a surrogate measure of transmission potential. The multicenter study analyzed gloves and gowns cultured for C. auris during routine patient care.
Here is what they found.
1. Among 109 C. auris-colonized patients, the infection transferred to clinicians’ gloves and/or gowns in 29% of 1,083 interactions.
2. Transfer was highest among nursing assistants, patient care technicians, occupational and physical therapists and respiratory therapists.
3. Patients that were colonized at five body sites were 15 times more likely to transfer C. auris to clinicians’ gloves and/or gowns compared to those colonized at only one site.
“This study demonstrates that transfer of C. auris to HCP gloves and/or gowns, a surrogate for transmission potential, occurs frequently during patient care,” the study authors said. “Strategies to interrupt transfer of C. auris to HCP during patient care are needed to prevent C. auris transmission in healthcare facilities.”
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