Study of the Temporal Profile and Bi-directional Transmission of Microorganisms Between Patients and Environmental Surfaces.

Overall Aim: To describe and to assess the change in the temporal profile and transmission of microorganisms between patients and environmental surfaces after admission into a newly disinfected room.

Study Activities: Investigators will prospectively and concurrently perform microbiological sampling of body sites (nose, throat, axillae, perineal and wounds) high touch surfaces (e.g. bedside rail, bed surface, toilet seat, IV pump and tray table) for consented adult patients admitted to freshly cleaned patient rooms. The microbiological sampling of body sites is already performed in many units of the hospital as standard of care. Infection and readmission related data from enrolled patients will be collected for upto 1 year after enrollment.

Data analysis: Standard surveillance for hospital-acquired infections will be performed by the infection control group of the hospital. The identity and the nature of micro-organisms colonizing the high touch surfaces of rooms and of patient's body sites will be determined and compared. Risks involved is no more than minimal risk.