Microbial contamination in Tobruk Medical Center and methods of prevention

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections represent a serious problem that threatens public health, particularly in Libyan hospitals, where they contribute to increased mortality rates and higher treatment costs. This study focuses on analyzing microbiological contamination in healthcare facilities and assessing its impact on patients and healthcare workers. A total of 40 samples were collected from the hospital environment, and results showed that 67.5% were contaminated with microorganisms, while 32.5% showed no bacterial growth.

Among the contaminated samples, Gram-positive Staphylococcus species accounted for 48%, while Gram-negative bacteria including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Citrobacter freundii represented 52%. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed significant variations in treatment effectiveness, indicating a concern regarding antimicrobial resistance.

The study highlights key contributing factors to contamination, such as poor sterilization and inadequate ventilation, and emphasizes the need to strengthen infection control measures. It also provides recommendations to improve the quality of the healthcare environment, including sterilization of medical equipment, training of healthcare personnel, and implementation of effective ventilation systems. These actions could reduce infection spread, enhance treatment outcomes, and lower medical costs, thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare services in Libya.