Microbiological Assessment of Hospital Surfaces and Equipment in a Secondary Health Facility in Akure, Ondo State

Hospital surfaces and shared medical equipment are well-documented reservoirs for healthcare-associated pathogens that can cause infections in vulnerable patients. This observational microbiological study evaluated the contamination status of high-touch surfaces and equipment in Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Surface swabs were collected from 10 designated sites including door handles, bed rails, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and nursing stations in three clinical wards over a four-week period. Standard bacteriological culturing on non-selective and selective media was performed. Biochemical characterization and antibiotic susceptibility testing followed established protocols. Bacterial contamination was detected on 84 percent of sampled surfaces. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterococcus faecalis were the predominant isolates. Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited the highest rates of carbapenem resistance, with 40 percent of isolates non-susceptible to imipenem. The highest contamination rates were recorded in the surgical ward. Inadequate decontamination frequency and inconsistent use of appropriate disinfectants were identified as root causes. The study recommends the adoption of standardized environmental cleaning protocols, regular microbiological surveillance of hospital surfaces, and staff training in disinfection practices across health facilities in Ondo State. Keywords: hospital surfaces, nosocomial contamination, Acinetobacter, Akure, infection control.