Korean J Nosocomial Infect Control.
2009 Dec;14(2):61-65.
Evaluation of the Contaminant Bacteria Isolated from Humidifiers Used in the Intensive Care Unit
- Affiliations
-
- 1Infection Control Team, Konyang University Hospital, Korea. yeonakim@hanmail.net
- 2Department of Laboratory Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
- 3Division of Infectious Disease, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
This study aims to obtain basic data regarding the proper maintenance and potential role of humidifiers in the development of nosocomial pneumonia. We investigated into a spectrum of bacteria that grew after disinfection in humidifiers that were used in intensive care units (ICUs). The bacteria were isolated at different time points after disinfection.
METHODS
We randomly selected 6 humidifiers that were used in an ICU and conducted a series of bacterial culture studies at 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr and 168 hr after disinfecting the six humidifiers. The fluid from the humidifider was cultured in the same manner as the dialysate.
RESULTS
No bacteria were isolated in most of the 6 humidifiers 24 hr after the disinfection of the instruments. Gram-negative bacilli such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Burkholderia cepacia, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were cultured at 48 hr after disinfection.
CONCLUSION
Regular and thorough disinfection of humidifiers is necessary to prevent possible spread of infection via humidifiers in the ICU.
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