Are computer keyboards a cross-infection risk in a dental clinic?

Computers in dental surgeries located within the patient treatment room could potentially pose a risk of cross-infection of patients and operators. The aims of this investigation were to determine the degree of contamination of computer keyboards located in clinics and study rooms in a teaching dental hospital, to determine the survival time of micro-organisms on keyboards and to compare the efficiency of two common disinfectants in disinfecting keyboards. All keyboards were found to be contaminated with a variety of micro-organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, coagulasenegative staphylococci, Gram-negative rods and cocci. A range of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and Candida albicans were able to survive up to 10 days in dried suspensions on computer keys. Seventy per cent isopropanol wipes proved effective in reducing the numbers of viable test organisms on keys by at least 96% and reducing contamination of keyboards in routine use. The data suggest that computers in dental study areas and clinics act as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic organisms including S. aureus and should be regularly disinfected to reduce the risk of cross-infection.