Bacterial contamination and infection control practices in the mortuary at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

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dc.contributor.authorWagido, Edwina Patience
dc.contributor.authorTom, Adima
dc.contributor.authorProsper, Niwamanya
dc.contributor.authorAlfred, Tushabe
dc.contributor.authorGenevieve, Tusiime Martha
dc.contributor.authorWagido, Okeny Christopher
dc.contributor.authorLangoya, Akuu Susan
dc.contributor.authorSsenkumba, Brian
dc.contributor.authorKiconco, Ritah
dc.contributor.authorNalumaga, Pauline Petra
dc.contributor.authorYekosan, Mitala
dc.contributor.authorRaymond, Atwine
dc.contributor.authorBagenda, Charles
dc.contributor.authorPeter, Rugera Simon
dc.contributor.authorAbraham, Birungi
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-17T09:52:52Z
dc.date.available2026-07-17T09:52:52Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.descriptionResearch article
dc.description.abstractBackground: Increasing evidence demonstrates that medical personnel and the clinical environment such as surfaces and equipment are often sources of infections. However, limited data exists on the bacterial contamination of the hospital mortuary environment within a hospital setting. Objective: This study aimed to determine bacterial profiles, assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and evaluate infection prevention and control (IPC) practices at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) mortuary in southwestern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Ninety-three (93) surface swab samples from the inanimate surfaces were collected. Using standard operating protocols, the collected samples were processed at the microbiology laboratory. All isolates were cultured and identified by Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done on each isolate following the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26 and results were explained by percentages and tables. Results: Klebsiella species were the most predominant isolated bacteria (44.7%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (40.3%). Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected at a high frequency (98%). Resistance patterns showed that most isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. However, Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin demonstrated the highest efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. Conclusion: Inanimate surfaces and equipment of the mortuary are heavily contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Improper disinfection and waste segregation may contribute to bacterial contamination in the mortuary. Regular and enhanced cleaning with disinfectants, proper use of clean aprons, and displaying safety signage for workers and visitors can help improve infection prevention and control.
dc.description.sponsorshipBusitema University
dc.identifier.citationWagido, E. P., Tom, A., Prosper, N., Alfred, T., Genevieve, T. M., Wagido, O. C., Langoya, A. S., Brian, S., Ritah, K., Nalumaga, P. P., Yekosani, M., Raymond, A., Bagenda, C., Peter, R. S., & Abraham, B. (2025). Bacterial contamination and infection control practices in the mortuary at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, 5(1), e214. https://doi.org/10.1017/ash.2025.10131
dc.identifier.urihttps://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/8018
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherShea
dc.relation.ispartofseriesAntimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology ; (2025), 5, e214, 1–6
dc.titleBacterial contamination and infection control practices in the mortuary at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.
dc.typeArticle
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