It has been aimed to determine, through an integrative review of the literature, reports about the occurrence of contamination by micro-organisms and isolation in their white coats, gowns, uniforms of the healthcare professionals, and the similarity to those related to Healthcare Associated Infections considering the profile of antimicrobial resistance. Articles were searched in the following databases MEDLINE, LILACS, and SCOPUS, published from 2000 to 2010. Nine articles were selected and analyzed. These studies considered and evidenced white coat, gown and uniform contamination. The analyzed studies there was the presence of mainly bacteria on pockets, cuff and waist area. As to the profile of sensitiveness the recuperation of Staphylococcus aureus meticiline resistant/MRSA, followed by Gram negative antimicrobial resistance. These were a similarity between the strains in the clothing of health workers and those related to the occurrence of infections. Thus, white coats, gowns, uniforms must be considered part of the dissemination chain of micro-organisms.
Cross infection; Clothing; Health personnel
