Effectiveness of two bed baths methods in removing microorganisms from hospitalized patients – a prospective randomized cross-over study

Background: Traditionally, the use of water and soap has been the primary choice for personal hygiene of bedridden patients, but in recent years, disposable prepacked wet wipes are increasingly being used instead.
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the two washing methods in removing microorganisms from the groin and perineum of hospitalized bedridden patients, thereby potentially reducing the risk of hospital-acquired urinary tract infection.
Methods: In a cross-over, block-randomized trial skin swabs from patients’ groin and perineum were obtained before and after washing with either soap and water or disposable wet wipes. To identify species of microorganisms and analyze microbial diversity and load, Columbia agar plates, CHROMager Orientation Medium and Matrix-Assisted Desorption/-Ionization-Time of Flight Mass-spectrometry procedures were used. The difference in microbial diversity and load before and after washing was compared between the two washing methods using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: 58 paired skin swaps were obtained. Both washing methods resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the amount of all microorganisms including microorganisms that potentially can cause urinary tract infections. The found reductions were not statistically different between the two methods. Contamination with new species of microorganisms was observed after both washing methods. Conclusion: The two washing methods appear to be equally effective in removing microorganisms including microorganisms, which potentially can cause hospital-acquired urinary tract infections.