The evolution of the control of airborne infection in operating rooms.

Abstract

This article describes advances in the knowledge of airborne infection in operating rooms since 1867 when Joseph Lister first provided methods of controlling surgical site infection. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that evidence became available to show that airborne microbes were a cause of surgical site infection, and the design of operating rooms was improved to control this route of infection. The contributions from various researchers who investigated the importance of airborne infection and the design of operating rooms are discussed. It was concluded that further progress is still required to fully control airborne infection in operating rooms.