Page 92 - FINAL COMPENDIUM 2020-2021 27.2.2022

SURFACE BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRIC
DENTISTRY, WOMEN AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR (WCHKL)

Liew SR, Ng YM, Pudzi NA, Areffin NM, Raja Shahardin RZ
Introduction: This audit investigates the level of surface bacterial contamination at the
Paediatric Dental Clinic, WCHKL (currently known as Hospital Tunku Azizah) before and
after operating in 2019. Objective: To analyse the type and numbers of bacterial colonies
present at different areas in the dental clinic and the outcome after the implementation
of infection control guidelines. Materials and methods: A total of 20 surfaces in the clinic
were selected and first sampling done using RODAC plates containing agar medium.
RODAC plates were transported to Microbiology Laboratory in Kuala Lumpur Hospital for
analysis after 48 hours of incubation period. The results were expressed in Colony Forming
2
Unit (CFU/cm ). A second sampling was carried out at 3 months after the clinic started its
operation. Results: Our analysis showed four areas in the clinic; children’s table at playing
area, children’s play mat, x-ray viewer in dental surgery room 7 and table at officer’s
writing area, with CFU counts more than 10 for the first sampling. The predominant
bacteria identified were Serriatia marcescens. For the second sampling, 3 areas which
differ from the first sampling having CFU count more than 10. Areas were the entrance
door’s handle, floor in dental surgery room 11, and slab at Dental Health Education (DHE)
room. Discussion: The outcome of this study raised concern in view that Serriatia
marcescens, a type of multiple drug resistant that causes both opportunistic and
nosocomial infection was cultivated. A newly established healthcare unit shall never be
assumed as an uncontaminated zone. Conclusion: Present study highlighted the
importance of adherence to the infection control. To reduce the risk of cross infection, we
propose a similar study be conducted in other healthcare settings.

nd
Virtual presentation at the 22 NIH Scientific Conference 2021 on 21 – 23 September 2021

Dr Liew Su Reen
Dr Ng Yan Mei
Dr Nurulnazra Mohd Areffin
Dr Raja Zarina Raja Shahardin
Department of Paediatric Dentistry
Hospital Tunku Azizah
Kuala Lumpur

Norzie Azlin Pudzi
Microbiology Unit
Department of Pathology
Hospital Kuala Lumpur

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