introduction:

Patient’s files could be a potential source for the spread of  nosocomial infections especially in critical areas. The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of contamination of the patient‘s files and also to analyze the spectrum of contaminant bacterial flora in the intensive care unit (ICU) and Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the two most high–risk areas for nosocomial transmission of infection.

METHODS:

Surface swabs were collected from the exposed outer surface of the patients‘ files kept bedside in the ICU and NICU .Isolation & Identification was carried out using standard microbiological and biochemical laboratory techniques.

RESULTS:

In total, 76% (152/200) of patient‘s files were found to be contaminated with pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria. CoNSwas the most commonly isolated bacteria (37.5%, 57/152). Methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from 3 ICU patient‘s files.

CONCLUSION:

The majority of the patient‘s files in critical areas were contaminated and could be a source ofnosocomial infection. To prevent this,   health care workers should wash their hands and should perhaps be the most prudent

approach to prevent patient–patient transmission of infection in high–risk areas