BACKGROND: Biometric fingerprint systems, although effective for identification and security, can facilitate the spread of infections in hospital settings due to repeated contact by multiple users. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are increasingly associated with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas species, which are capable of surviving on inanimate surfaces, including fingerprint scanners. This study was conducted to determine whether biometric fingerprint devices can act as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms and to detect the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) along with their antibiotic susceptibility profiles.

METHODS: Samples were collected from biometric fingerprint devices installed in the hospital and medical college. The samples were cultured, and the isolated organisms were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed using an automated system (VITEK 2 Compact, bioMérieux).

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pathogenic bacteria isolated was 17.7% (17/96). Among the pathogenic bacteria identified (n=17), 29.4% were Gram-positive cocci, while 70.6% were Gram-negative bacilli. The most common bacteria isolated were Serratia species (23.5%), followed by Acinetobacter species and Enterococcus species. Among Gram-positive cocci, Enterococcus species were the most frequently isolated organisms.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, fingerprint biometric devices may act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms and contribute to cross-transmission in hospitals. Contactless biometric devices are preferable; otherwise, regular disinfection, nearby hand sanitizers, and routine microbiological surveillance should be part of infection control audits.

KEYWORDS: Fingerprint biometric devices; Nosocomial infection; Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs); Hand hygiene