Bacterial Contamination and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Nursing Uniforms in Healthcare Facilities: Implications for Infection Prevention and Control

Nursing uniforms are essential professional attire in healthcare settings, yet they may become contaminated during routine patient care. Because uniforms frequently come into contact with patients, clinical equipment, ward surfaces, and healthcare workers’ hands, they may serve as potential reservoirs for microorganisms and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study examined bacterial contamination and antimicrobial resistance profiles of nursing uniforms in healthcare facilities, with emphasis on contamination prevalence, microbial load, bacterial species distribution, and resistance patterns. A descriptive cross-sectional laboratory-based design was employed. Demographic data were obtained from healthcare workers, while microbiological samples were collected from selected sections of nursing uniforms, including the collar, pocket, sleeve cuff, and apron/front area. Samples were cultured using standard microbiological procedures, and bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, confidence intervals, the chi-square test, and analysis of variance. The findings showed that 78.0% of sampled nursing uniforms were contaminated, while 22.0% were non-contaminated. Microbial load differed significantly across uniform sections, with the apron/front area recording the highest mean load, followed by the pocket section. Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant isolate, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus spp. Antimicrobial resistance was observed among clinically relevant isolates, including MRSA and ESBL-associated resistance patterns. Nursing uniforms may serve as reservoirs for bacterial contamination and antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Strengthened uniform hygiene, regular laundering, hand hygiene compliance, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial stewardship are therefore essential for infection prevention and control.