Antimicrobial stewardship & healthcare epidemiology : ASHE
Bacterial contamination of healthcare workers' attire.
Lauro Damonti, Mariana Marti, Sara Droz, Luca Di Caprio, Jonas Marschall, Philipp Jent
Published: 202510.1017/ash.2025.10218
Abstract
Open AccessHealthcare workers' attire is prone to microbial contamination, potentially facilitating pathogen transmission. In our study, attire was almost universally contaminated, mainly with skin commensals; among non-commensals, Staphylococcus aureus predominates. Sleeves were less contaminated, possibly due to "bare below the elbows" policies. Easier access to dispensers may increase attire change.