Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a significant challenge, often linked to hand transfer of microbial contamination on clinical surfaces. Emerging evidence highlights the role of Dry Surface Biofilms (DSBs), complex microbial communities that persist on dry surfaces despite routine cleaning, as reservoirs for pathogens in healthcare environments. Unlike traditional wet biofilms, DSBs are resistant to standard disinfection protocols and can survive on high-touch surfaces for extended periods, posing an under-recognised risk to patient safety.
This presentation explores the latest DSB research and findings, revealing microbial persistence on surfaces previously considered clean. We discuss the critical importance of systematic surface cleaning and validated hygiene protocols including hand hygiene and glove re-use, emphasising that cleaning is not optional but a foundational component of infection prevention. By integrating DSB awareness into environmental hygiene practices, healthcare facilities can mitigate pathogen transmission, enhance patient safety, and strengthen overall infection control programs.