Healthcare environments in pulmonary rehabilitation units: Effective -infection control through integration of long-term antimicrobial materials.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective infection control in pulmonary rehabilitation units is essential but remains insufficiently studied. This study investigated bacterial contamination, the distribution of species, and the effectiveness of antimicrobial strategies in a pulmonary rehabilitation center.

Methods: Surface swab sampling and ZnO-based antimicrobial strategies were employed to assess bacterial contamination in a pulmonary rehabilitation center. The swab samples were cultured, and species were identified.

Results: Bacterial contamination on six key sampling surfaces was initially high (over 500 CFUs/100 cm2) but was significantly reduced after the application of ZnO tape to these surfaces. The antibacterial rates exceeded 80% after one week of using ZnO tape and nanoparticle suspension; however, on some surfaces, the effectiveness declined even after three weeks. These findings suggest that antibacterial protection should be renewed weekly to maintain its efficacy.

Conclusions: The application of ZnO tape and nanoparticle solution effectively reduced bacterial contamination in a pulmonary rehabilitation center, underscoring the need for regular disinfection and innovative infection control strategies.