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Owotade FJ, Gulube Z, Patel M. Oral Candida albicans strain diversity and maintenance in HIV positive women in South Africa. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 164:106007. [PMID: 38795522 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.106007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated C. albicans strain diversity and maintenance in the oral cavity of HIV positive women over a 6 month period. STUDY DESIGN C. albicans strains were isolated from 17 HIV positive women at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Johannesburg at 3 intervals over a 6 month period. Strains were genotyped using ABC and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) techniques. In the MLST technique, for each strain, a Diploid Sequence Type (DST) number was obtained. Using cluster analysis, an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram and a matrix of strain similarities were generated. Strains were also compared to the previous South African isolates documented in the MLST database. RESULTS Ninety four percent of women carried the same ABC genotype for 6 months. MLST technique, showed that ten women (58.8%) carried the same DST at 2 visits, while seven (41.2%) carried different DST at all visits. Further analysis showed that 64.7% of women were recolonised with different strains and 35.3% carried the same strains of C. albicans with heterozygosity. A total of 40 diploid sequence types were identified of which 27 DSTs were unique to this study group that were added to the MLST database. Most of the strains were closely related to previously isolated strains from South Africa. CONCLUSION Recolonization of the oral cavity with different strains and microevolution of the original strains of C. albicans can occur, which can be a potential problem for HIV patients, in whom highly virulent and drug resistant strains can emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Owotade
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, South Africa; Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Z Gulube
- Department of Oral Biological Sciences School of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M Patel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, South Africa.
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Kunishima H, Ichiki K, Ohge H, Sakamoto F, Sato Y, Suzuki H, Nakamura A, Fujimura S, Matsumoto K, Mikamo H, Mizutani T, Morinaga Y, Mori M, Yamagishi Y, Yoshizawa S. Japanese Society for infection prevention and control guide to Clostridioides difficile infection prevention and control. J Infect Chemother 2024; 30:673-715. [PMID: 38714273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Kunishima
- Department of Infectious Diseases. St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Ichiki
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Hyogo Medical University Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ohge
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Fumie Sakamoto
- Quality Improvement and Safety Center, Itabashi Chuo Medical Center, Japan
| | - Yuka Sato
- Department of Infection Control and Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing, Aichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Suzuki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Tsukuba School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakamura
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Japan
| | - Shigeru Fujimura
- Division of Clinical Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Matsumoto
- Division of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Japan
| | - Hiroshige Mikamo
- Department of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Aichi Medical University, Japan
| | | | - Yoshitomo Morinaga
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Japan
| | - Minako Mori
- Department of Infection Control, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamagishi
- Department of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Sadako Yoshizawa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Japan
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Smith JL, Tzouganakis I, Allen R, Adams VJ, Rhodes M. An assessment of bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in clinical practice: A multi-center study. Vet Ophthalmol 2024; 27:347-356. [PMID: 37985395 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in three UK veterinary referral centers, and the impact of an implemented cleaning protocol. METHODS Bacteriology samples from 10 indirect ophthalmoscopes and 10 condensing lenses were taken at each center (n = 30 T0), before initiating one of three cleaning frequencies (every 2 weeks/once weekly/daily) for 28 days. The most contaminated indirect ophthalmoscope and condensing lens from each center were re-sampled 30 min prior to (T1; n = 9) and 30 min after (T2; n = 9) the final clean. Sensitivity testing was completed using MIC. RESULTS Seventy-three isolates representing 15 different bacterial populations (genus/species) were cultured from 36 of 48 (75%) swabs tested. The most frequently cultured isolates were Staphylococcus spp. 30%, Micrococcus 22%, and Bacillus 14%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pantoea, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius demonstrated resistance to >50% of antibiotics against which they were tested. Eighty-three percent of T0 samples (54 isolates across 11 species, median 2 isolates/swab), all T1 samples (15 isolates across 8 species, median 2 isolates/swab), and 22% of T2 samples (4 isolates across 4 species, median 0 isolates/swab) were contaminated. Head contact points were most contaminated irrespective of time point. A T1 sample was 57 times more likely (95% CI: 2.4-1376) to have a positive culture than a T2 sample (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Baseline contamination was high, representing a potential source of nosocomial infection in ophthalmic patients and handlers of diagnostic equipment. No center implemented a cleaning protocol prior to this study. Routine cleaning reduces bacterial contamination.
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Shen D, Yu Q, Xing X, Ding H, Long Y, Hui C. Distribution and survival of pathogens from different waste components and bioaerosol traceability analysis in household garbage room. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119016. [PMID: 38677405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Household garbage rooms release abundant bioaerosols and are an important source of pathogens; however, information on the distribution and survival patterns of pathogens in different waste components is limited. In this study, a culture method and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing were used to determine bacterial communities, culturable pathogens, and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs). The results showed that abundant culturable bacteria were detected in all waste types, and a large number of S. aureus was detected on the surface of recyclable wastes, whereas S. aureus, total coliforms, Salmonella, Enterococcus, and hemolytic bacteria were detected in food waste and other waste. The activities of these detected pathogenic bacteria decreased after 24 h of storage but re-activated within one week. Factors affecting the emergence of pathogens varied with different waste components. Sequencing results showed that Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Burkholderia were abundant in the waste samples, whereas Achromobacter, Exiguobacteriums, Bordetella, and Corynebacterium were the primary pathogens in the bioaerosol and wall attachment. The results of traceability analysis showed that bioaerosol microbes were mainly derived from raw kitchen waste (5.98%) and plastic and paper contaminated with food waste (19.93%) in garbage rooms. In addition, bioaerosols were the main source of microflora in the wall attachment, which possessed high HBP diversity and required more attention. These findings will help in understanding the microbial hazards in different waste components and provide guidance for the control and risk reduction of bioaerosols during waste management and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Non-Ferrous Metal Waste Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Non-Ferrous Metal Waste Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Xiaojing Xing
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Non-Ferrous Metal Waste Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Hening Ding
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Non-Ferrous Metal Waste Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yuyang Long
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Non-Ferrous Metal Waste Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Cai Hui
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Non-Ferrous Metal Waste Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
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Xie Y, Long X, Kim Y, Harris LJ, Nitin N. Survival of Salmonella enterica and Enterococcus faecium on Abiotic Surfaces During Storage at Low Relative Humidity. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100292. [PMID: 38718984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Currently, there is limited knowledge on the survival of bacteria on surfaces during postharvest handling of dry products such as onions. Extended survival of microorganisms, coupled with a lack of established and regular, validated cleaning or sanitation methods could enable cross-contamination of these products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the survival of a potential surrogate, Enterococcus faecium, and Salmonella enterica on typical onion handling surfaces, polyurethane (PU), and stainless steel (SS), under low relative humidity. The influence of onion extract on the survival of E. faecium and Salmonella on PU and SS was also investigated. Rifampin-resistant E. faecium NRRL B-2354 and a five-strain cocktail of Salmonella suspended in 0.1% peptone or onion extract were separately inoculated onto PU and SS coupons (2 × 2 cm), at high, moderate, or low (7, 5, or 3 log CFU/cm2) levels. The inoculated surfaces were stored at ∼34% relative humidity and 21°C for up to 84 days. Triplicate samples were enumerated at regular intervals in replicate trials. Samples were enriched when populations fell below the limit of detection by plating (0.48 log CFU/cm2). Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the cell distribution on the coupons. Reductions of E. faecium of less than ∼2 log were observed on PU and SS over 12 weeks at all inoculum levels and with both inoculum carriers. In 0.1% peptone, Salmonella populations declined by 2 to 3 log over 12 weeks at the high and moderate inoculum levels; at the low inoculum level, Salmonella could not be recovered by enrichment at 84 days. Survival of E. faecium and Salmonella was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced over 84 days of storage when suspended in onion extract, where cells were covered by a layer of onion extract. E. faecium might have utility as a conservative surrogate for Salmonella when evaluating microbial survival on dry food-contact surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucen Xie
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Xiaonuo Long
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Yoonbin Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Linda J Harris
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Nitin Nitin
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Kavanagh NL, Kinnevey PM, Egan SA, McManus BA, O'Connell B, Brennan GI, Coleman DC. Protracted transmission and persistence of ST80 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium clonal complex types CT2933, CT2932 and CT1916 in a large Irish hospital: a 39-month WGS study. J Hosp Infect 2024:S0195-6701(24)00218-4. [PMID: 38944282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) are significant nosocomial pathogens. Sequence type (ST)80 vanA-encoding VREfm predominate in Irish hospitals, but their transmission is poorly understood. AIMS To investigate transmission and persistence of predominant complex type (CT) VREfm in two wards of an Irish hospital (H1) using whole-genome sequencing, and their intra- and inter-hospital dissemination. METHODS Rectal screening (N=330, September 2019-December 2022) and environmental (N=48, November 2022-December 2022) E. faecium were investigated. Isolate relatedness was assessed by core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) and core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis. Likely transmission chains were identified using SeqTrack (https://graphsnp.fordelab.com/graphsnp) using cgSNP data and recovery location. Well-characterised E. faecium (N=908) from seven Irish hospitals including H1 (June 2017-July 2022) were also investigated. FINDINGS Conventional MLST assigned isolates to nine STs (ST80, 82%). cgMLST identified three predominant ST80 CTs (CT2933, CT2932 and CT1916) (55% of isolates) of related isolates (≤20 allelic differences). cgSNP analysis differentiated these CTs into multiple distinct closely related genomic clusters (≤10 cgSNPs). Parisimonious network construction identified 55 likely inter- and intra-ward transmissions with epidemiological support between patients ≤30 days involving 73 isolates (≤10 cgSNPs) from seven genomic clusters. Numerous other likely transmissions over longer time periods without evident epidemiological links were identified, suggesting persistence and unidentified reservoirs contribute to dissemination. The three CTs predominated among E. faecium (N=1,286) in seven hospitals, highlighting inter-hospital spread without known epidemiological links. CONCLUSION This study revealed the long-term intra- and inter-hospital dominance of three major CT ST80 VREfm lineages, widespread transmission and persistence, implicating unidentified reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Kavanagh
- Microbiology Research Unit, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter M Kinnevey
- Microbiology Research Unit, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah A Egan
- Microbiology Research Unit, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brenda A McManus
- Microbiology Research Unit, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian O'Connell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; National MRSA Reference Laboratory, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Grainne I Brennan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; National MRSA Reference Laboratory, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - David C Coleman
- Microbiology Research Unit, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Jeong SB, Heo KJ, Yoo JH, Kang DG, Santoni L, Knapp CE, Kafizas A, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP, Shin JH, Hwang GB, Jung JH. Photobiocidal Activity of TiO 2/UHMWPE Composite Activated by Reduced Graphene Oxide under White Light. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 38917338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we introduce a photobiocidal surface activated by white light. The photobiocidal surface was produced through thermocompressing a mixture of titanium dioxide (TiO2), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) powders. A photobiocidal activity was not observed on UHMWPE-TiO2. However, UHMWPE-TiO2@rGO exhibited potent photobiocidal activity (>3-log reduction) against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacteria after a 12 h exposure to white light. The activity was even more potent against the phage phi 6 virus, a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, with a >5-log reduction after 6 h exposure to white light. Our mechanistic studies showed that the UHMWPE-TiO2@rGO was activated only by UV light, which accounts for 0.31% of the light emitted by the white LED lamp, producing reactive oxygen species that are lethal to microbes. This indicates that adding rGO to UHMWPE-TiO2 triggered intense photobiocidal activity even at shallow UV flux levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Bin Jeong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
- Indoor Environment Center, Korea Testing Laboratory, Seoul 08389, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Joon Heo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dong-Gi Kang
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo Santoni
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline E Knapp
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Kafizas
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J Carmalt
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan P Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jae Hak Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Byoung Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jae Hee Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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Ioannou P, Baliou S, Kofteridis D. Ewingella americana Infections in Humans-A Narrative Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:559. [PMID: 38927225 PMCID: PMC11201141 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ewingella americana is a Gram-negative rod that belongs to the order Enterobacterales and the family Yersiniaceae and was first identified in 1983 from 10 clinical strains in the United States of America. The present study aimed to identify all the published cases of E. americana in the literature, describe the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics, and provide data regarding its antimicrobial resistance, treatment, and outcomes. A narrative review was performed based on a PubMed and Scopus databases search. In total, 16 studies provided data on 19 patients with infections by E. americana. The median age of the patients was 55 years, and 47.4% were male. The most common infections were those of the bloodstream, the respiratory tract, and the peritoneal cavity. Antimicrobial resistance to cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and the combination of trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole was minimal, and these were the most commonly used antimicrobials for treating these infections. No included study provided information on the genetic or molecular mechanism of this pathogen's antimicrobial resistance. The overall mortality was minimal, with only one patient with bacteremia succumbing to the infection. Further studies are needed to better understand this microorganism, its pathogenic potential in humans, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying its antimicrobial resistance, for which very little evidence exists to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Ioannou
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Yu H, Xu Y, Imani S, Zhao Z, Ullah S, Wang Q. Navigating ESKAPE Pathogens: Considerations and Caveats for Animal Infection Models Development. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 38866389 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The misuse of antibiotics has led to the global spread of drug-resistant bacteria, especially multi-drug-resistant (MDR) ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). These opportunistic bacteria pose a significant threat, in particular within hospitals, where they cause nosocomial infections, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. To comprehensively explore ESKAPE pathogenesis, virulence, host immune response, diagnostics, and therapeutics, researchers increasingly rely on necessitate suitable animal infection models. However, no single model can fully replicate all aspects of infectious diseases. Notably when studying opportunistic pathogens in immunocompetent hosts, rapid clearance by the host immune system can limit the expression of characteristic disease symptoms. In this study, we examine the critical role of animal infection models in understanding ESKAPE pathogens, addressing limitations and research gaps. We discuss applications and highlight key considerations for effective models. Thoughtful decisions on disease replication, parameter monitoring, and data collection are crucial for model reliability. By meticulously replicating human diseases and addressing limitations, researchers maximize the potential of animal infection models. This aids in targeted therapeutic development, bridges knowledge gaps, and helps combat MDR ESKAPE pathogens, safeguarding public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang China
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yongchang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang China
| | - Zhuo Zhao
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Saif Ullah
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Qingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, Zhejiang China
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Chanachaivirada R, Chuammitri P, Lampa KN, Prachasilchai W, Sodarat C. Therapeutic Effects of Propionibacterium acnes and Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli in Cats with Feline Panleukopenia. Vet Sci 2024; 11:253. [PMID: 38922001 PMCID: PMC11209590 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of inactivated Propionibacterium acnes and lipopolysaccharide derived from Escherichia coli cells in cats affected by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). A retrospective study of 80 FPV-positive cats was divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving inactivated Propionibacterium acnes and lipopolysaccharide derived from Escherichia coli cells along with supportive treatment and a no-treatment group receiving only supportive treatment. There was no significant difference in the total white blood cell counts between the two groups. However, the total white blood cell counts of both groups were low on day 0 and increased significantly on days 3 and 6 of treatment. Additionally, the white blood cell counts in the treatment group significantly increased during days 3 to 6 compared with those of the no-treatment group (p < 0.01). The mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups. In a prospective study, the serum and fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were measured in both groups. There were no significant differences in IgA levels between the two groups in either the serum or feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattanakhon Chanachaivirada
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (R.C.); (K.N.L.); (W.P.)
| | - Phongsakorn Chuammitri
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
| | - Kannika Na Lampa
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (R.C.); (K.N.L.); (W.P.)
| | - Worapat Prachasilchai
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (R.C.); (K.N.L.); (W.P.)
| | - Chollada Sodarat
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (R.C.); (K.N.L.); (W.P.)
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
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Liébana-Rodríguez M, Portillo-Calderón I, Fernández-Sierra MA, Delgado-Valverde M, Martín-Hita L, Gutiérrez-Fernández J. Nosocomial outbreak caused by Serratia marcescens in a neonatology intensive care unit in a regional hospital. Analysis and improvement proposals. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024; 42:286-293. [PMID: 37331927 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serratia marcescens (SM) may cause nosocomial outbreaks in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). We describe an outbreak of SM in a NICU and propose additional prevention and control recommendations. METHODS Between March 2019 and January 2020, samples were taken from patients in the NICU (rectal, pharyngeal, axillary and other locations) and from 15 taps and their sinks. Control measures were implemented including thorough cleaning of incubators, health education to staff and neonates'relatives, and use of single-dose containers. PFGE was performed in 19 isolates from patients and in 5 environmental samples. RESULTS From the first case in March 2019 to the detection of the outbreak, a month elapsed. Finally, 20 patients were infected and 5 colonized. 80% of infected neonates had conjunctivitis, 25% bacteremia, 15% pneumonia, 5% wound infection, and 5% urinary tract infection. Six neonates had two foci of infection. Among the 19 isolates studied, 18 presented the same pulsotype and only one of the isolates from the sinkhole showed a clonal relationship with those of the outbreak. Initial measures established were ineffective to control de outbreak and were implemented with exhaustive cleaning, use of individual eye drops, environmental sampling and changing sinks. CONCLUSION This outbreak presented a high number of neonates affected due to its late detection and torpid evolution. The microorganisms isolated from the neonates were related to an environmental isolate. Additional prevention and control measures are proposed, including routine weekly microbiological sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Liébana-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Ibs-Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Inés Portillo-Calderón
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena. Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS). Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Amelia Fernández-Sierra
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Ibs-Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mercedes Delgado-Valverde
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena. Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS). Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lina Martín-Hita
- Departamento de Microbiología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (Ibs-Granada), Granada, Spain
| | - José Gutiérrez-Fernández
- Departamento de Microbiología, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (Ibs-Granada), Granada, Spain; Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada-Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (Ibs-Granada), Granada, Spain.
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12
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Pugazhendhi AS, Neal CJ, Ta KM, Molinari M, Kumar U, Wei F, Kolanthai E, Ady A, Drake C, Hughes M, Yooseph S, Seal S, Coathup MJ. A neoteric antibacterial ceria-silver nanozyme for abiotic surfaces. Biomaterials 2024; 307:122527. [PMID: 38518591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Community-associated and hospital-acquired infections caused by bacteria continue to yield major global challenges to human health. Bacterial contamination on abiotic surfaces is largely spread via high-touch surfaces and contemporary standard disinfection practices show limited efficacy, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. New strategies that offer non-specific and broad protection are urgently needed. Herein, we report our novel ceria-silver nanozyme engineered at a molar ratio of 5:1 and with a higher trivalent (Ce3+) surface fraction. Our results reveal potent levels of surface catalytic activity on both wet and dry surfaces, with rapid, and complete eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin resistant S. aureus, in both planktonic and biofilm form. Preferential electrostatic adherence of anionic bacteria to the cationic nanozyme surface leads to a catastrophic loss in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, DNA damage, osmodysregulation, and finally, programmed bacterial lysis. Our data reveal several unique mechanistic avenues of synergistic ceria-Ag efficacy. Ag potentially increases the presence of Ce3+ sites at the ceria-Ag interface, thereby facilitating the formation of harmful H2O2, followed by likely permeation across the cell wall. Further, a weakened Ag-induced Ce-O bond may drive electron transfer from the Ec band to O2, thereby further facilitating the selective reduction of O2 toward H2O2 formation. Ag destabilizes the surface adsorption of molecular H2O2, potentially leading to higher concentrations of free H2O2 adjacent to bacteria. To this end, our results show that H2O2 and/or NO/NO2-/NO3- are the key liberators of antibacterial activity, with a limited immediate role being offered by nanozyme-induced ROS including O2•- and OH•, and likely other light-activated radicals. A mini-pilot proof-of-concept study performed in a pediatric dental clinic setting confirms residual, and continual nanozyme antibacterial efficacy over a 28-day period. These findings open a new approach to alleviate infections caused by bacteria for use on high-touch hard surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abinaya Sindu Pugazhendhi
- Biionix Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, United States
| | - Craig J Neal
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Centre, Nanoscience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32826, United States
| | - Khoa Minh Ta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Molinari
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - Udit Kumar
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Centre, Nanoscience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32826, United States
| | - Fei Wei
- Biionix Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, United States
| | - Elayaraja Kolanthai
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Centre, Nanoscience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32826, United States
| | - Andrew Ady
- Biionix Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, United States
| | - Christina Drake
- Kismet Technologies, 7101 TPC Drive, Suite 130, Orlando, FL, 32822, United States
| | - Megan Hughes
- University of Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Shibu Yooseph
- Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
| | - Sudipta Seal
- Biionix Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, United States; Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Centre, Nanoscience Technology Center (NSTC), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32826, United States
| | - Melanie J Coathup
- Biionix Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, United States.
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13
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Hanczvikkel A, Tóth Á, Kopcsóné Németh IA, Bazsó O, Závorszky L, Buzgó L, Lesinszki V, Göbhardter D, Ungvári E, Damjanova I, Erőss A, Hajdu Á. Nosocomial outbreak caused by disinfectant-resistant Serratia marcescens in an adult intensive care unit, Hungary, February to March 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300492. [PMID: 38940004 PMCID: PMC11212457 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.26.2300492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2022, an outbreak with severe bloodstream infections caused by Serratia marcescens occurred in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) in Hungary. Eight cases, five of whom died, were detected. Initial control measures could not stop the outbreak. We conducted a matched case-control study. In univariable analysis, the cases were more likely to be located around one sink in the ICU and had more medical procedures and medications than the controls, however, the multivariable analysis was not conclusive. Isolates from blood cultures of the cases and the ICU environment were closely related by whole genome sequencing and resistant or tolerant against the quaternary ammonium compound surface disinfectant used in the ICU. Thus, S. marcescens was able to survive in the environment despite regular cleaning and disinfection. The hospital replaced the disinfectant with another one, tightened the cleaning protocol and strengthened hand hygiene compliance among the healthcare workers. Together, these control measures have proved effective to prevent new cases. Our results highlight the importance of multidisciplinary outbreak investigations, including environmental sampling, molecular typing and testing for disinfectant resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn Hanczvikkel
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Public Health Microbiology path (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Tóth
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Orsolya Bazsó
- North-Pest Central Hospital - Military Hospital (ÉPC-HK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lőrinc Závorszky
- North-Pest Central Hospital - Military Hospital (ÉPC-HK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Buzgó
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Virág Lesinszki
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Göbhardter
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erika Ungvári
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivelina Damjanova
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Erőss
- North-Pest Central Hospital - Military Hospital (ÉPC-HK), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Hajdu
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), Budapest, Hungary
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14
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Kiernan MA, Garvey MI, Norville P, Otter JA, Weber DJ. Is detergent-only cleaning paired with chlorine disinfection the best approach for cleaning? J Hosp Infect 2024; 148:58-61. [PMID: 38649119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- M A Kiernan
- Richard Wells Research Centre, University of West London, Brentford, UK.
| | - M I Garvey
- Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - J A Otter
- Directorate of Infection, Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; National Institute for Healthcare Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in HCAI and AMR, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - D J Weber
- Department of Infection Prevention, UNC Medical Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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15
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Osman AH, Darkwah S, Kotey FCN, Odoom A, Hotor P, Dayie NTKD, Donkor ES. Reservoirs of Nosocomial Pathogens in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241243239. [PMID: 38828046 PMCID: PMC11141231 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241243239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Nosocomial pathogens are known to exacerbate morbidity and mortality in contemporary critical healthcare. Hospital fomites, which include inanimate surfaces, have been identified as "breeding grounds" for pathogens that cause nosocomial infections. This systematic review aimed to deliver incisive insights on nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs) and the role of fomites as potential reservoirs for their transmission. Method An extensive exploration of electronic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, from 1990 to 2023, was carried out between 25th and 29th May 2023, per standard PRISMA guidelines. Information were extracted from articles that reported on fomites in the ICU. Studies that did not quantitatively report the fomite contamination, and those that exclusively took samples from patients in the ICU were excluded from the analysis. Results About 40% of the total samples collected on fomites from all the studies yielded microbial growth, with species of Staphylococcus being the most predominant. Other prevalent microbes were Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida spp., Enterococcus sp., and Enterobacter sp. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had the highest proportion of contaminated fomites. Among known fomites, the sphygmomanometer exhibited a 100% detection rate of nosocomial pathogens. This included E. aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa were commonly isolated on fomites in the ICUs. Conclusion Many fomites that are readily used in patient care in the ICU harbour nosocomial pathogens. The most common fomite appeared to be mobile phones, sphygmomanometers, and stethoscopes, with Staphylococcus being the most common contaminant. Consequently, the need for rigorous disinfection and sterilization protocols on fomites in the ICU cannot be overemphasized. Additionally, heightened awareness on the subject among health professionals is crucial to mitigating the risk and burden of nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Halim Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Darkwah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fleischer C N Kotey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alex Odoom
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prince Hotor
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicholas T K D Dayie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric S Donkor
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
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16
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Campbell Z, Ghareeb CR, Baro S, Mauthe J, McColgan G, Amassian A, Scholle F, Ghiladi R, Abolhasani M, Dickey EC. Facile Synthesis of Cu-Doped TiO 2 Particles for Accelerated Visible Light-Driven Antiviral and Antibacterial Inactivation. ACS APPLIED ENGINEERING MATERIALS 2024; 2:1411-1423. [PMID: 38808269 PMCID: PMC11129180 DOI: 10.1021/acsaenm.4c00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we present a facile and scalable hydrolysis-based route for the synthesis of copper-doped TiO2 particles for highly effective light-activated antiviral and antibacterial applications. The performance of the synthesized Cu-doped TiO2 particles is then evaluated using solution-phase antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation assays. We demonstrate that the Cu-doped TiO2 particles can successfully inactivate a wide range of pathogens with exposure to light for 90 min, including bacteria ranging from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (99.9999%, ∼6 log units) to Klebsiella pneumoniae (99.93%, ∼3.3 log units), and viruses including feline calicivirus (99.94%, ∼3.4 log units) and HCoV-229E (99.996%, ∼4.6 log units), with the particles demonstrating excellent robustness toward photobleaching. Furthermore, a spray-coated polymer film, loaded with the synthesized Cu-doped TiO2 particles achieves inactivation of methicillin-resistant S. aureus up to 99.998% (∼4.8 log units). The presented results provide a clear advance forward in the use of metal-doped TiO2 for aPDI applications, including the scalable synthesis (kg/day) of well-characterized and robust particles, their facile incorporation into a nontoxic, photostable coating that may be easily and cheaply applied to a multitude of surfaces, and a broad efficacy against drug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as against enveloped and nonenveloped viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary
S. Campbell
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - C. Roland Ghareeb
- Department
of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, 2620 Yarbrough Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8204, United States
| | - Steven Baro
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, North
Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Jacob Mauthe
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, North
Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Gail McColgan
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, North
Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Aram Amassian
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, North
Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Frank Scholle
- Department
of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State
University, 3510 Thomas
Hall, Campus Box 7614, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Reza Ghiladi
- Department
of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, 2620 Yarbrough Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8204, United States
| | - Milad Abolhasani
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Dickey
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, North
Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie
Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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17
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Krewing M, Mönch E, Bolten A, Niesalla H. Resistance or tolerance? Highlighting the need for precise terminology in the field of disinfection. J Hosp Infect 2024; 150:51-60. [PMID: 38782058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The terms 'resistance' and 'tolerance' are well defined in the context of antibiotic research. However, in the field of disinfection, these terms are often used synonymously, which creates ambiguity and can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions. In addition, this inconsistency in terminology makes it difficult to assess the risk of a disinfectant resistance. This general review aims to discuss existing definitions of the terms 'adaptation', 'susceptibility', 'tolerance', 'persistence' and 'resistance' in the light of disinfectants. The most ambiguity is found between tolerance and resistance. Whereas the former describes the not necessarily heritable survival of transient exposure to usually lethal concentrations, resistance is the strictly heritable ability to survive otherwise lethal concentrations of an antimicrobial agent, regardless of exposure time. A simple transfer of experience from antibiotic research is not recommended when assessing the risk of resistance to disinfectants, as there are important differences between antibiotics and disinfectants, although both are antimicrobials: (i) disinfectants are usually applied at concentrations that exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration by orders of magnitude, (ii) the exposure times of disinfectants are in the range of seconds, minutes, or a few hours, (iii) the mode of action of disinfectants is less specific, and (iv) disinfectants often contain more than one active agent with additive or synergistic effects. It is important to recognize that disinfectants, like other antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, have a dualistic nature and should be used correctly and with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Krewing
- Hartmann Science Center, BODE Chemie GmbH - a Company of the Hartmann Group, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - E Mönch
- BODE Chemie GmbH - a Company of the Hartmann Group, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Bolten
- BODE Chemie GmbH - a Company of the Hartmann Group, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Niesalla
- Hartmann Science Center, BODE Chemie GmbH - a Company of the Hartmann Group, Hamburg, Germany
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18
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Porter L, Sultan O, Mitchell BG, Jenney A, Kiernan M, Brewster DJ, Russo PL. How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2024; 147:25-31. [PMID: 38447803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare hygiene plays a crucial role in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Patients admitted to a room where the previous occupant had a multi-drug-resistant bacterial infection are at an increased risk of colonization and infection with the same organism. A 2006 systematic review by Kramer et al. found that certain pathogens can survive for months on dry surfaces. The aim of this review is to update Kramer et al.'s previous review and provide contemporary data on the survival of pathogens relevant to the healthcare environment. We systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL and Scopus databases for studies that described the survival time of common nosocomial pathogens in the environment. Pathogens included in the review were bacterial, viral, and fungal. Studies were independently screened against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria by two researchers. Conflicts were resolved by one of two senior researchers. A spreadsheet was developed for the data extraction. The search identified 1736 studies. Following removal of duplicates and application of the search criteria, the synthesis of results from 62 included studies were included. 117 organisms were reported. The longest surviving organism reported was Klebsiella pneumoniae which was found to have persisted for 600 days. Common pathogens of concern to infection prevention and control, can survive or persist on inanimate surfaces for months. This data supports the need for a risk-based approach to cleaning and disinfection practices, accompanied by appropriate training, audit and feedback which are proven to be effective when adopted in a 'bundle' approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Porter
- Department of Nursing Research, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia; School of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - O Sultan
- Department of Nursing Research, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia; School of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - B G Mitchell
- School of Nursing, Avondale University, Wahroonga, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - A Jenney
- Microbiology Unit, Alfred Health, Prahran, Australia
| | - M Kiernan
- Richard Wells Research Centre, University of West London, London, UK
| | - D J Brewster
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
| | - P L Russo
- Department of Nursing Research, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia; School of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; School of Nursing, Avondale University, Wahroonga, Australia.
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19
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Kirnon S. The role of decontamination in reducing healthcare-associated infections. Nurs Stand 2024; 39:45-50. [PMID: 38462981 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Effective decontamination is a vital aspect of infection prevention and control, and has a crucial role in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Various decontamination methods can be used in healthcare settings to ensure that medical devices, equipment and the clinical environment are safe. It is essential for nurses and other healthcare staff to have adequate knowledge of the decontamination methods and infection prevention and control practices required to prevent HCAIs. This article discusses the most common HCAIs, decontamination methods that can be used, and relevant UK legislation, policies and guidance. It also outlines nurses' responsibilities in relation to infection prevention and control and the importance of education and training in this area, with a particular focus on integrating human factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Kirnon
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, England
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20
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Witt LS, Howard-Anderson J, Prakash-Asrani R, Overton E, Jacob JT. The role of the hospital bed in hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile: A retrospective study with mediation analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:599-603. [PMID: 38087652 PMCID: PMC11027076 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether residing in a hospital bed that previously held an occupant with Clostridioides difficile increases the risk of hospital-onset C. difficile infection (HO-CDI). METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we used a real-time location system to track the movement of hospital beds in 2 academic hospitals from April 2018 to August 2019. We abstracted patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and C. difficile polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results from the medical record. We defined patients as being exposed to a potentially "contaminated" bed or room if, within the preceding 7 days from their HO-CDI diagnosis, they resided in a bed or room respectively, that held an occupant with C. difficile in the previous 90 days. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether residing in a contaminated bed was associated with HO-CDI after controlling for time at risk and requiring intensive care. We assessed mediation and interaction from a contaminated hospital room. RESULTS Of 25,032 hospital encounters with 18,860 unique patients, we identified 237 cases of HO-CDI. Exposure to a contaminated bed was associated with HO-CDI in unadjusted analyses (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.31) and adjusted analyses (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0). Most of this effect was due to both mediation from and interaction with a contaminated hospital room. CONCLUSIONS Residing in a hospital bed or room that previously had a patient with C. difficile increases the risk of HO-CDI. Increased attention to cleaning and disinfecting the healthcare environment may reduce hospital transmission of C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy S. Witt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica Howard-Anderson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Radhika Prakash-Asrani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Jesse T. Jacob
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Atlanta, Georgia
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21
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Sigudu T, Qekwana D, Oguttu J. A Retrospective Descriptive Study of Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Canine Specimens Submitted to a Diagnostic Laboratory in South Africa, 2012-2017. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1304. [PMID: 38731308 PMCID: PMC11083448 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a scarcity of published studies on the occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. Among dogs in South Africa. The objective of the study was to characterise the Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from dog samples submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa in terms of time, place, and person. This study utilised a dataset of 1627 positive Staphylococcus isolates obtained from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa from 2012 to 2017. Out of the 1627 confirmed isolates, 10 different species of Staphylococcus were identified. Among these, 92.0% were classified as coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), 6.0% were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), and 3.0% were coagulase-variable. Male dogs contributed just over half (53.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates, while female dogs contributed the remaining 46.8%. The largest proportion of isolates (23.2%) were obtained from dogs aged ≥ 9 years, with the highest number of isolates originating from KwaZulu-Natal Province (45.0%) and the least from Northern Cape Province (0.1%). Out of the total samples included in the records, the majority (46.0%) were skin specimens. The number of Staphylococcus isolates recorded showed limited variation between the seasons (24.3% in autumn, 26.3% in winter, 26.0% in spring, and 24.0% in summer). This study highlighted the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dogs, and the burden of staphylococcal carriage among dogs in South Africa. Further research is required to examine the factors that contribute to the observed discrepancies in the proportions of Staphylococcus spp. between the provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Themba Sigudu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa;
- Department of Health and Society, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Daniel Qekwana
- Section Veterinary Public Health, Department of Para Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
| | - James Oguttu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa;
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Emelyanenko AM, Omran FS, Teplonogova MA, Chernukha MY, Avetisyan LR, Tselikina EG, Putsman GA, Zyryanov SK, Butranova OI, Emelyanenko KA, Boinovich LB. An Antimicrobial Copper-Plastic Composite Coating: Characterization and In Situ Study in a Hospital Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4471. [PMID: 38674057 PMCID: PMC11050275 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A method has been proposed for creating an operationally durable copper coating with antimicrobial properties for the buttons of electrical switches based on the gas dynamic spray deposition of copper on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. It is shown that during the coating process, a polymer film is formed on top of the copper layer. Comparative in situ studies of microbial contamination have shown that the copper-coated buttons have a significant antimicrobial effect compared to standard buttons. Analysis of swabs over a 22-week study in a hospital environment showed that the frequency of contamination for a copper-coated button with various microorganisms was 2.7 times lower than that of a control button. The presented results allow us to consider the developed copper coating for plastic switches an effective alternative method in the fight against healthcare-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre M. Emelyanenko
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
| | - Fadi S. Omran
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
| | - Maria A. Teplonogova
- N. S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Marina Y. Chernukha
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 18 Gamaleya St., 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Lusine R. Avetisyan
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 18 Gamaleya St., 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Eugenia G. Tselikina
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 18 Gamaleya St., 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Gleb A. Putsman
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
- City Clinical Hospital No. 24, Moscow City Health Department, 10 Pistsovaya St., 127015 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey K. Zyryanov
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
- Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St. 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga I. Butranova
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
- Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St. 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill A. Emelyanenko
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
| | - Ludmila B. Boinovich
- A. N. Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 31, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (F.S.O.); (M.Y.C.); (L.R.A.); (G.A.P.); (S.K.Z.); (O.I.B.); (K.A.E.)
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23
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Kramer A, Brill FHH. Hygienic evaluation of the Resourcify GmbH concept for recovering raw materials from recyclable medical devices after surgery. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2024; 19:Doc16. [PMID: 38766638 PMCID: PMC11099353 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
In addition to emissions harmful to the environment, a significant amount of waste is generated in hospitals. In recognition of the fact that medical devices (MDs) contain valuable raw materials, such as rare earth elements, other metals, and high-quality plastics, a recycling concept has been developed. The project was examined for safety and feasibility from a hygiene point of view with sustainability in mind in order to create a reference solution for other areas as applicable. The recycling process begins when the MDs accumulate in the surgical facility and are separated into recyclable and disposable parts. The recyclable parts are subjected to wipe disinfection and collected in closed boxes until they are taken away, while the non-recyclable parts are sent for disposal. The recyclable waste, including the transport boxes, is steam-disinfected in a fractionated vacuum process before recycling. The waste is then recycled, and the emptied transport boxes are made available for re-collection by the surgical facility. The analysis of the overall recycling process shows that infectious risks both for the employees who collect, transport, and recycle the MDs and for the environment are neglectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Kramer
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Florian H. H. Brill
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH - Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Keneh NK, Kenmoe S, Bowo-Ngandji A, Akoachere JFTK, Kamga HG, Ndip RN, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Tendongfor N, Assam JPA, Ndip LM, Esemu SN. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage among Neonate Mothers, Healthcare Workers, and Environmental Samples in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:5675786. [PMID: 38623471 PMCID: PMC11018372 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5675786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The MRSA colonization of neonates, attributed to various sources, including mothers, healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces, can lead to severe infection, prolonged hospital stays, and even death, imposing substantial economic burdens. Given the pressing need to mitigate MRSA spread in these vulnerable environments, further examination of the subject is warranted. This systematic review is aimed at synthesizing available evidence on MRSA carriage proportions among mothers of newborns, healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces in NICUs. Methodology. We included observational studies published in English or French from database inception to March 21, 2023. These studies focused on MRSA in nonoutbreak NICU settings, encompassing healthy neonate mothers and healthcare workers, and environmental surfaces. Literature search involved systematic scanning of databases, including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health, and Global Index Medicus. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Hoy et al. critical appraisal scale. The extracted data were summarized to calculate the pooled proportion of MRSA positives, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) based on the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Results A total of 1891 articles were retrieved from which 16 studies were selected for inclusion. Most of the studies were from high-income countries. The pooled proportion of MRSA carriage among 821 neonate mothers across four countries was found to be 2.1% (95% CI: 0.3-5.1; I2 = 76.6%, 95% CI: 36.1-91.5). The proportion of MRSA carriage among 909 HCWs in eight countries was determined to be 9.5% (95% CI: 3.1-18.4; I2 = 91.7%, 95% CI: 87.1-94.6). The proportion of MRSA carriage among HCWs was highest in the Western Pacific Region, at 50.00% (95% CI: 23.71-76.29). In environmental specimens from five countries, a pooled proportion of 16.6% (95% CI: 3.5-36.0; I2 = 97.7%, 95% CI: 96.6-98.4) was found to be MRSA-positive. Conclusion With a significant heterogeneity, our systematic review found high MRSA carriage rates in neonate mothers, healthcare workers, and across various environmental surfaces in NICUs, posing a potential risk of nosocomial infections. Urgent interventions, including regular screening and decolonization of MRSA carriers, reinforcing infection control measures, and enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures within NICUs, are crucial. This trial is registered with CRD42023407114.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nene Kaah Keneh
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Southwest Region, Cameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Hortense Gonsu Kamga
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Roland Ndip Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Nicholas Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Mande Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Southwest Region, Cameroon
| | - Seraphine Nkie Esemu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Southwest Region, Cameroon
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25
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Okomo U, Gon G, Darboe S, Sey ICM, Nkereuwem O, Leigh L, Camara N, Makalo L, Keita A, Dancer SJ, Graham W, Aiken AM. Assessing the impact of a cleaning programme on environmental hygiene in labour and neonatal wards: an exploratory study in The Gambia. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:36. [PMID: 38589973 PMCID: PMC11003010 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective surface cleaning in hospitals is crucial to prevent the transmission of pathogens. However, hospitals in low- and middle-income countries face cleaning challenges due to limited resources and inadequate training. METHODS We assessed the effectiveness of a modified TEACH CLEAN programme for trainers in reducing surface microbiological contamination in the newborn unit of a tertiary referral hospital in The Gambia. We utilised a quasi-experimental design and compared data against those from the labour ward. Direct observations of cleaning practices and key informant interviews were also conducted to clarify the programme's impact. RESULTS Between July and September 2021 (pre-intervention) and October and December 2021 (post-intervention), weekly surface sampling was performed in the newborn unit and labour ward. The training package was delivered in October 2021, after which their surface microbiological contamination deteriorated in both clinical settings. While some cleaning standards improved, critical aspects such as using fresh cleaning cloths and the one-swipe method did not. Interviews with senior departmental and hospital management staff revealed ongoing challenges in the health system that hindered the ability to improve cleaning practices, including COVID-19, understaffing, disruptions to water supply and shortages of cleaning materials. CONCLUSIONS Keeping a hospital clean is fundamental to good care, but training hospital cleaning staff in this low-income country neonatal unit failed to reduce surface contamination levels. Further qualitative investigation revealed multiple external factors that challenged any possible impact of the cleaning programme. Further work is needed to address barriers to hospital cleaning in low-income hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uduak Okomo
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, The Gambia.
- MARCH Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Giorgia Gon
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Saffiatou Darboe
- Research Microbiology Laboratory, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Fajara, The Gambia
- AMR Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Isatou C M Sey
- Research Microbiology Laboratory, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Oluwatosin Nkereuwem
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Lamin Leigh
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nfamara Camara
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Lamin Makalo
- Department of Paediatrics, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Abdoulie Keita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Stephanie J Dancer
- Department of Microbiology, NHS Lanarkshire and School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Wendy Graham
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alexander M Aiken
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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26
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Cui D, Li S, Yin B, Li C, Zhang L, Li Z, Huang J. Rapid Rescue of Goose Astrovirus Genome via Red/ET Assembly. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s12560-024-09593-4. [PMID: 38582780 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-024-09593-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The host-specific infection of Avian Astrovirus (AAstVs) has posed significant challenges to the poultry industry, resulting in substantial economic losses. However, few reports exist on the functional consequences of genome diversity, cross-species infectivity and mechanisms governing virus replication of AAstVs, making it difficult to develop measures to control astrovirus transmission. Reverse genetics technique can be used to study the function of viruses at the molecular level, as well as investigating pathogenic mechanisms and guide vaccine development and disease treatment. Herein, the reverse genetics technique of goose astrovirus GAstV/JS2019 strain was developed based on use of a reconstructed vector including CMV promotor, hammerhead ribozyme (HamRz), hepatitis delta virus ribozyme (HdvRz), and SV40 tail, then the cloned viral genome fragments were connected using Red/ET recombineering. The recombinant rGAstV-JS2019 was readily rescued by transfected the infectious clone plasmid into LMH cells. Importantly, the rescued rGAstV/JS2019 exhibited similar growth kinetics comparable to those of the parental GAstV/JS2019 isolate in cultured cells. Our research results provide an alternative and more effective reverse genetic tool for a detailed understanding of viral replication, pathogenic mechanisms, and molecular mechanisms of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqing Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shujun Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Boxuan Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Changyan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lilin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zexing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Jinhai Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, No. 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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27
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Wright D, Christie J, Lawrence J, Vaughn KL, Walsh TF. Effectiveness of dry hydrogen peroxide in reducing air and surface bioburden in a multicenter clinical setting. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:501-508. [PMID: 38017626 PMCID: PMC11007363 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) in reducing environmental bioburden in occupied areas. DESIGN Prospective environmental cohort study. SETTING The study was conducted in 2 tertiary-care hospitals and 1 free-standing emergency department. INTERVENTION Environmental air and surface sites were cultured before and after continuous deployment of DHP systems in targeted hospital areas. METHODS In total, 1,554 surface and 1,036 air samples were collected from 74 patient areas among the 3 facilities on 3 consecutive days before DHP deployment and on days 14, 30, 60, and 90 after deployment. At each sampling time, 2 air samples were collected at each facility from 1 room without DHP, along with 2 outdoor samples from each facility. The impact of negative-pressure usage on the efficacy of DHP was also evaluated, with 1 hospital continuously using negative pressure, another utilizing it only in patient isolation scenarios, and another without negative pressure. RESULTS In the 2 facilities without continuous negative pressure, exposure to DHP was associated with a significant reduction in surface bioburden, characterized as total colony-forming units (P = .019; P = .002). Significant associations between DHP exposure and reductions in airborne bacterial load at the 2 hospitals were observed (P ≤ .001; P = .041), and the free-standing emergency department experienced a reduction that did not achieve statistical significance (P = .073). CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that DHP has the potential to reduce microbial air and surface bioburden in occupied patient rooms with standard ventilation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Wright
- Universal Health Services, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jordan Lawrence
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Aiken, South Carolina
| | - Kimberly L. Vaughn
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Henderson Hospital, Henderson, Nevada
| | - Timothy F. Walsh
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
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28
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Jackson KC, Clancey E, Call DR, Lofgren E. 3D Printers in Hospitals: Bacterial Contamination of Common and Antimicrobial 3D-Printed Material. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.30.587440. [PMID: 38585826 PMCID: PMC10996589 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.30.587440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has presented hospitals with unique challenges. A SHEA Research Network survey showed that 40% reported "limited" or worse levels of personal protective equipment (PPE), and 13% were self-producing PPE to address those deficits, including 3D-printed items. However, we do not know how efficiently, if at all, 3D-printed materials can be disinfected. Additionally, two filaments, PLACTIVE and BIOGUARD, claim to be antimicrobial; they use copper nanocomposites and silver ions to reduce bacterial populations. We assess how PLACTIVE and BIOGUARD may be contaminated and how well they reduce contamination, and how readily Polylactic Acid (PLA), a standard 3D-printed material, may be disinfected. 3D-printed materials, including PLACTIVE and BIOGUARD, are readily contaminated with bacteria that are common in hospitals and can sustain that contamination. Our findings reveal that the levels of contamination on PLACTIVE and BIOGUARD can vary under specific conditions such as layer height or bacterial contact time, sometimes surpassing or falling short of PLA. However, disinfected disks had lower overall CFU averages than those that were not, but the level of disinfection was variable, and bacterial populations recovered hours after disinfection application. Proper disinfection and using appropriate 3D-printed materials are essential to limit bacterial contamination. 3D printers and their products can be invaluable for hospitals, especially when supplies are low, and healthcare worker safety is paramount. Environmental services should be made aware of the presence of antimicrobial 3D-printed materials, and patients should be discouraged from printing their own items for use in hospital environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin C. Jackson
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health; Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Erin Clancey
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health; Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Douglas R. Call
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health; Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric Lofgren
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health; Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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29
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Kulišová M, Rabochová M, Lorinčík J, Brányik T, Hrudka J, Scholtz V, Jarošová Kolouchová I. Exploring Non-Thermal Plasma and UV Radiation as Biofilm Control Strategies against Foodborne Filamentous Fungal Contaminants. Foods 2024; 13:1054. [PMID: 38611358 PMCID: PMC11011738 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, non-thermal plasma (NTP) has emerged as a promising tool for decontamination and disinfection within the food industry. Given the increasing resistance of microbial biofilms to conventional disinfectants and their adverse environmental effects, this method has significant potential for eliminating biofilm formation or mitigating the metabolic activity of grown biofilms. A comparative study was conducted evaluating the efficacy of UV radiation and NTP in eradicating mature biofilms of four common foodborne filamentous fungal contaminants: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium culmorum, and Fusarium graminearum. The findings reveal that while UV radiation exhibits variable efficacy depending on the duration of exposure and fungal species, NTP induces substantial morphological alterations in biofilms, disrupting hyphae, and reducing extracellular polymeric substance production, particularly in A. alternata and F. culmorum. Notably, scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrates significant disruption of the hyphae in NTP-treated biofilms, indicating its ability to penetrate the biofilm matrix, which is a promising outcome for biofilm eradication strategies. The use of NTP could offer a more environmentally friendly and potentially more effective alternative to traditional disinfection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Kulišová
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Michaela Rabochová
- Department of Material Analysis, Research Centre Rez, Hlavní 130, 250 68 Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic; (M.R.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, nám. Sítná 3105, 272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Lorinčík
- Department of Material Analysis, Research Centre Rez, Hlavní 130, 250 68 Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic; (M.R.); (J.L.)
| | - Tomáš Brányik
- Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Lípová 15, 120 44 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Jan Hrudka
- Department of Physics and Measurements, Prague, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Vladimír Scholtz
- Department of Physics and Measurements, Prague, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Irena Jarošová Kolouchová
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic;
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Shambhavi S, Kim H, Jahanzaib M, Lee J, Park D. BT100, a three-in-one, multipurpose disinfecting, deodorizing, and air-cleaning solution with an effective, gradual, and continuous gaseous chlorine dioxide-releasing substance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26738. [PMID: 38449591 PMCID: PMC10915389 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Aerosols carrying viruses that are released from the oral cavity of infected individuals are the primary, if not the only, means of transmission during viral respiratory disease epidemics. This makes crowded rooms and tiny, enclosed public areas like bathrooms prime environments for the transmission of diseases. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde are two contaminants that pose serious threats to human health and well-being in indoor environments. The varied disinfectant properties of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) make it a key player in treating a range of air quality issues. To balance effectiveness and safety, however, the careful application of chlorine dioxide is essential to achieving the best results in air quality while preserving human health and well-being. This study explores the many functions of chlorine dioxide, including the prevention of the spread of viruses, the elimination of harmful gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and its effects on formaldehyde and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in indoor environments using BT100. The results indicate a reduction of 98.5%, 81.01%, 62.22%, 46.5%, and 63.84% in minimizing aerosolized viruses, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide gas in addition to formaldehyde and total volatile organic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharma Shambhavi
- Transportation Environmental Research Team, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang-si, 16105, Republic of Korea
- Transportation System Engineering, University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Honggil Kim
- Sejin E & P Co. Ltd., Anyang-Si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Jahanzaib
- Transportation Environmental Research Team, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang-si, 16105, Republic of Korea
- Transportation System Engineering, University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jooyeon Lee
- Transportation Environmental Research Team, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang-si, 16105, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Duckshin Park
- Transportation Environmental Research Team, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang-si, 16105, Republic of Korea
- Transportation System Engineering, University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
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Hygiene requirements for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces: recommendation of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2024; 19:Doc13. [PMID: 38655122 PMCID: PMC11035912 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This recommendation of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) addresses not only hospitals, but also outpatient health care facilities and compiles current evidence. The following criteria are the basis for the indications for cleaning and disinfection: Infectious bioburden and tenacity of potential pathogens on surfaces and their transmission routes, influence of disinfecting surface cleaning on the rate of nosocomial infections, interruption of cross infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms, and outbreak control by disinfecting cleaning within bundles. The criteria for the selection of disinfectants are determined by the requirements for effectiveness, the efficacy spectrum, the compatibility for humans and the environment, as well as the risk potential for the development of tolerance and resistance. Detailed instructions on the organization and implementation of cleaning and disinfection measures, including structural and equipment requirements, serve as the basis for their implementation. Since the agents for surface disinfection and disinfecting surface cleaning have been classified as biocides in Europe since 2013, the regulatory consequences are explained. As possible addition to surface disinfection, probiotic cleaning, is pointed out. In an informative appendix (only in German), the pathogen characteristics for their acquisition of surfaces, such as tenacity, infectious dose and biofilm formation, and the toxicological and ecotoxicological characteristics of microbicidal agents as the basis for their selection are explained, and methods for the evaluation of the resulting quality of cleaning or disinfecting surface cleaning are presented.
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Li X, Wang H, Abdelrahman H, Kelly A, Roy L, Wang L. Profiling and source tracking of the microbial populations and resistome present in fish products. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 413:110591. [PMID: 38306774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms in processing environments significantly impact the quality and safety of food products and can serve as potential reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant genes, contributing to public health concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Fish processing plants represent an understudied environment for microbiome mapping. This study investigated the microbial composition, prevalence of Listeria spp., and resistome structures in three catfish processing facilities in the southeastern United States. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the observed richness and Shannon diversity index increased significantly from fish to fillet. Beta diversity analysis showed distinct clustering of microbial communities between fish, environment, and fillet samples. Fast expectation-maximization microbial source tracking (FEAST) algorithm demonstrated that the microbiota presents in the processing environment contributed 48.2 %, 62.4 %, and 53.7 % to the microbiota present on fillet in Facility 1 (F1), F2, and F3, respectively. Food contact surfaces made larger contributions compared to the non-food contact surfaces. The linear discriminant analysis of effect size (LEfSe) identified specific microbial genera (e.g., Plesiomohas, Brochothrix, Chryseobacterium and Cetobacterium) that significantly varied between Listeria spp. positive and negative samples in all three processing plants. The metagenomic sequencing results identified 212 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) belonging to 72 groups from the raw fish and fish fillet samples collected from three processing plants. Although there was a significant decrease in the overall diversity of ARGs from fish to fillet samples, the total abundance of ARGs did not change significantly (P > 0.05). ARGs associated with resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS), cationic antimicrobial peptides, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams were found to be enriched in the fillet samples when compared to fish samples. Results of this study highlight the profound impact of processing environment on shaping the microbial populations present on the final fish product and the need for additional strategies to mitigate AMR in fish products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiran Li
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Hongye Wang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Hisham Abdelrahman
- Alabama Fish Farming Center, Greensboro, AL 36744, United States; School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 3684, United States
| | - Anita Kelly
- Alabama Fish Farming Center, Greensboro, AL 36744, United States; School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 3684, United States
| | - Luke Roy
- Alabama Fish Farming Center, Greensboro, AL 36744, United States; School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 3684, United States
| | - Luxin Wang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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Thampi N, Guzman-Cottrill J, Bartlett AH, Berg W, Cantey JB, Kitt E, Ravin K, Zangwill KM, Elward A. SHEA NICU white paper series: Practical approaches for the prevention of viral respiratory infections. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:267-276. [PMID: 37877172 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
This white paper provides clinicians and hospital leaders with practical guidance on the prevention and control of viral respiratory infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This document serves as a companion to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)'s "Prophylaxis and Screening for Prevention of Viral Respiratory Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review." It provides practical, expert opinion and/or evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about viral respiratory detection and prevention in the NICU. It was developed by a writing panel of pediatric and pathogen-specific experts who collaborated with members of the HICPAC systematic review writing panel and the SHEA Pediatric Leadership Council to identify questions that should be addressed. The document has been endorsed by SHEA, the American Hospital Association (AHA), The Joint Commission, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Thampi
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Allison H Bartlett
- University of Chicago and Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wendy Berg
- Children's Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Joseph B Cantey
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Eimear Kitt
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karen Ravin
- Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | | | - Alexis Elward
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Zhang C, Wang X, Sun D, Li Y, Feng Y, Zhang R, Zheng Y, Kou Z, Liu Y. Modification effects of long-term air pollution levels on the relationship between short-term exposure to meteorological factors and hand, foot, and mouth disease: A distributed lag non-linear model-based study in Shandong Province, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116060. [PMID: 38310825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is closely related to meteorological factors. However, location-specific characteristics, such as persistent air pollution, may increase the complexity of the impact of meteorological factors on HFMD, and studies across different areas and populations are largely lacking. In this study, a two-stage multisite time-series analysis was conducted using data from 16 cities in Shandong Province from 2015 to 2019. In the first stage, we obtained the cumulative exposure-response curves of meteorological factors and the number of HFMD cases for each city. In the second stage, we merged the estimations from the first stage and included city-specific air pollution variables to identify significant effect modifiers and how they modified the short-term relationship between HFMD and meteorological factors. High concentrations of air pollutants may reduce the risk effects of high average temperature on HFMD and lead to a distinct peak in the cumulative exposure-response curve, while lower concentrations may increase the risk effects of high relative humidity. Furthermore, the effects of average wind speed on HFMD were different at different levels of air pollution. The differences in modification effects between subgroups were mainly manifested in the diversity and quantity of significant modifiers. The modification effects of long-term air pollution levels on the relationship between sunshine hours and HFMD may vary significantly depending on geographical location. The people in age<3 and male groups were more susceptible to long-term air pollution. These findings contribute to a deepening understanding of the relationship between meteorological factors and HFMD and provide evidence for relevant public health decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Xianjun Wang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Dapeng Sun
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Yiping Feng
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Rongguo Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Yongxiao Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Zengqiang Kou
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China.
| | - Yunxia Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China; Climate Change and Health Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Hasan SF, Abo Elsoud MM, Sidkey NM, Elhateir MM. Production and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate bioplastic precursor from Parageobacillus toebii using low-cost substrates and its potential antiviral activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129915. [PMID: 38325682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
There is an increasing desire for bioplastics produced from renewable resources as an alternative to their petrochemical counterparts. These biopolymers have long-unnoticed antiviral properties. This study aimed to produce and characterize bioplastics by Parageobacillus toebii using low-cost substrates and determine their antiviral activity against coxsackievirus B4. Seven low-cost substrates (bagasse, water hyacinth, rice straw, rice water, sesame husks, molasses, and corn syrup) were compared with glucose for bioplastic precursor production. The highest bioplastic produced was from water hyacinth and glucose, followed by molasses, rice straw, rice water, sesame husks, and bagasse. Water hyacinth and glucose media were further optimized to increase the bioplastic precursor yield. The optimization of the media leads to increases in bioplastic precursor yields of 1.8-fold (3.456 g/L) and 1.496-fold (2.768 g/L), respectively. These bioplastics were further characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). They are thermostable, and their characterizations confirm the presence of polyhydroxybutyrate. The antiviral assay showed reasonable antiviral effects for bioplastics from water hyacinth (80.33 %) and glucose (55.47 %) media at 250 μg/mL maximum non-toxic concentrations (MNTC). The present investigation demonstrates a low-cost model for producing polyhydroxybutyrate bioplastic precursor for antiviral applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seham F Hasan
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Yossuf Abbas St., P.O. 11754, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa M Abo Elsoud
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St., Dokki, P.O. 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nagwa M Sidkey
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Yossuf Abbas St., P.O. 11754, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai M Elhateir
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Yossuf Abbas St., P.O. 11754, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
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Ayub A, Cheong YK, Castro JC, Cumberlege O, Chrysanthou A. Use of Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour for Microbiological Disinfection in Hospital Environments: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:205. [PMID: 38534479 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Disinfection of nosocomial pathogens in hospitals is crucial to combat healthcare-acquired infections, which can be acquired by patients, visitors and healthcare workers. However, the presence of a wide range of pathogens and biofilms, combined with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, presents infection control teams in healthcare facilities with ongoing challenges in the selection of biocides and application methods. This necessitates the development of biocides and innovative disinfection methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional methods. This comprehensive review finds the use of hydrogen peroxide vapour to be a superior alternative to conventional methods. Motivated by observations in previous studies, herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on the utilisation of hydrogen peroxide vapour as a superior high-level disinfection alternative in hospital settings. This review finds hydrogen peroxide vapour to be very close to an ideal disinfectant due to its proven efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, safety to use, lack of toxicity concerns and good material compatibility. The superiority of hydrogen peroxide vapour was recently demonstrated in the case of decontamination of N95/FFP2 masks for reuse to address the critical shortage caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant number of studies demonstrating antimicrobial activity, there remains a need to critically understand the mechanism of action by performing studies that simultaneously measure damage to all bacterial cell components and assess the correlation of this damage with a reduction in viable cell count. This can lead to improvement in antimicrobial efficacy and foster the development of superior approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaqib Ayub
- School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Yuen Ki Cheong
- School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Jesus Calvo Castro
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | | | - Andreas Chrysanthou
- School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
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Conde A, Voces D, Medel-Plaza M, Perales C, de Ávila AI, Aguilera-Correa JJ, de Damborenea JJ, Esteban J, Domingo E, Arenas MA. Fluoride anodic films on stainless-steel fomites to reduce transmission infections. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0189223. [PMID: 38289132 PMCID: PMC10880592 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01892-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing concern arising from viruses with pandemic potential and multi-resistant bacteria responsible for hospital-acquired infections and outbreaks of food poisoning has led to an increased awareness of indirect contact transmission. This has resulted in a renewed interest to confer antimicrobial properties to commonly used metallic materials. The present work provides a full characterization of optimized fluoride anodic films grown in stainless steel 304L as well as their antimicrobial properties. Antibacterial tests show that the anodic film, composed mainly of chromium and iron fluorides, reduces the count and the percentage of the area covered by 50% and 87.7% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, respectively. Virologic tests show that the same treatment reduces the infectivity of the coronavirus HCoV-229E-GFP, in comparison with the non-anodized stainless steel 304L.IMPORTANCEThe importance of environmental surfaces as a source of infection is a topic of particular interest today, as many microorganisms can survive on these surfaces and infect humans through direct contact. Modification of these surfaces by anodizing has been shown to be useful for some alloys of medical interest. This work evaluates the effect of anodizing on stainless steel, a metal widely used in a variety of applications. According to the study, the fluoride anodic layers reduce the colonization of the surfaces by both bacteria and viruses, thus reducing the risk of acquiring infections from these sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Conde
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas, CENIM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Voces
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas, CENIM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Celia Perales
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- CIBEREHD, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel de Ávila
- CIBEREHD, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - John Jairo Aguilera-Correa
- CIBERINFEC, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Pathogénie mycobactérienne et nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Juan Jose de Damborenea
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas, CENIM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Esteban
- CIBERINFEC, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, IIS-FJD, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Domingo
- CIBEREHD, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Angeles Arenas
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas, CENIM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMEDICA EN RED Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
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Adam C, Colin M, Stock R, Weiss L, Gangloff SC. UVC Box: An Effective Way to Quickly Decontaminate Healthcare Facilities' Wheelchairs. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:256. [PMID: 38398765 PMCID: PMC10890712 DOI: 10.3390/life14020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Disinfection in the hospital environment remains challenging, especially for wide and structurally complex objects such as beds or wheelchairs. Indeed, the regular disinfection of these objects with chemicals is manually carried out by healthcare workers and is fastidious and time-consuming. Alternative antibacterial techniques were thus proposed in the past decades, including the use of naturally antimicrobial UVC. Here, the antibacterial efficiency of a large UVC box built to accommodate wheelchairs was investigated through testing bacterial burden reductions on various parts of a wheelchair, with various support types and with several treatment durations. The results demonstrate a time-dependent antibacterial effect, with a strong burden reduction at only five minutes of treatment (>3-log median reduction in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis). The UVC flux and residual bacterial burden both significantly varied depending on the spatial location on the wheelchair. However, the nature of the support impacted the antibacterial efficiency even more, with residual bacterial burdens being the lowest on rigid materials (steel, plastics) and being the highest on tissue. On metallic samples, the nature of the alloy and surface treatment had various impacts on the antibacterial efficiency of the UVC. This study highlights the efficiency of the tested UVC box to efficiently and quickly decontaminate complex objects such as wheelchairs, but also gives rise to the warning to focus on rigid materials and avoid porous materials in the conception of objects, so as to ensure the efficiency of UVC decontamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloé Adam
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UR 4691 Biomatériaux et Inflammation en Site Osseux (BIOS), UFR de Pharmacie, SFR CAP-Santé, 51 rue Cognacq Jay, 51100 Reims, France (S.C.G.)
| | - Marius Colin
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UR 4691 Biomatériaux et Inflammation en Site Osseux (BIOS), UFR de Pharmacie, SFR CAP-Santé, 51 rue Cognacq Jay, 51100 Reims, France (S.C.G.)
| | - Romuald Stock
- Université de Lorraine, LCOMS, EA7306 Lorraine, France;
| | - Laurent Weiss
- Université de Lorraine LEM 3, UMR CNRS 7239, 7 Rue Félix Savart, 57073 Metz, France;
| | - Sophie C. Gangloff
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UR 4691 Biomatériaux et Inflammation en Site Osseux (BIOS), UFR de Pharmacie, SFR CAP-Santé, 51 rue Cognacq Jay, 51100 Reims, France (S.C.G.)
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Lin HA, Lin HC, Chen LC, Huang KY, Guo JL. Applying a multi-faceted infection control strategy to improve hospital environmental cleaning quality. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24928. [PMID: 38318040 PMCID: PMC10840012 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Along with existing infection control policies, repeated education and training of environmental service workers (ESWs) improves their compliance and ultimately reduces hospital-associated infection (HAI) rates. However, only limited studies have explored the health behavioral determinants of ESWs regarding their cleaning performance after implementing an educational intervention with multi-faceted infection control strategy. Objective To determine whether an educational intervention with multi-faceted infection control strategy improves the health behavioral determinants associated with ESWs' cleaning performance. Methods Twenty-eight ESWs who received an educational intervention with multi-faceted hospital infection control strategy were included. ESWs' knowledge, perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, health literacy, and cleaning performance were evaluated at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Results HAI-related adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels decreased significantly at post-intervention and 3-month follow-up compared with pre-intervention levels (all p < 0.05). All post-intervention ATP levels met the standard criterion after the 2nd environmental cleaning, with a median score of 267 (range, 71-386). High baseline ATP levels (odds ratio [OR] = 4.195, 95%CI 2.500-7.042, p < 0.05) were positively associated with qualified post-intervention ATP levels, while high education (OR = 0.480, 95%CI 0.276-0.833, p < 0.05) and high baseline knowledge scores (OR = 0.481, 95%CI 0.257-0.903, p = 0.023) were negatively associated with qualified post-intervention ATP levels. Conclusion Educational intervention using a multi-faceted infection control strategy improves health behavioral determinants (baseline education, knowledge scores and ATP levels) associated with ESWs' hospital cleaning performance. Receiving an educational intervention may increase HAI knowledge of environmental cleaning among ESWs with high education or low baseline HAI knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-An Lin
- Division of Infection, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital SongShan, Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chung Lin
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Chyang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Jong-Long Guo
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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Zendri F, Schmidt V, Mauder N, Loeffler A, Jepson RE, Isgren C, Pinchbeck G, Haldenby S, Timofte D. Rapid typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy informs infection control in veterinary settings. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1334268. [PMID: 38371930 PMCID: PMC10869444 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1334268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens linked to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) is an increasing concern in modern veterinary practice. Thus, rapid bacterial typing for real-time tracking of MDR hospital dissemination is still much needed to inform best infection control practices in a clinically relevant timeframe. To this end, the IR Biotyper using Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy has the potential to provide fast cluster analysis of potentially related organisms with substantial cost and turnaround time benefits. Materials and methods A collection of MDR bacterial isolates (n = 199, comprising 92 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 107 Pseudomonas aeruginosa) obtained from companion animal (i.e., dogs, cats and horses) clinical investigations, faecal and environmental screening from four veterinary facilities between 2012 and 2019 was analysed retrospectively by FTIR spectroscopy. Its performance was compared against MLST extracted from whole genomes of a subset of clustering isolates (proportionally to cluster size) for investigation of potential nosocomial transmission between patients and the surrounding hospital environments. Results Concordance between the FTIR and MLST types was overall high for K. pneumoniae (Adjusted Rand Index [ARI] of 0.958) and poor for P. aeruginosa (ARI of 0.313). FTIR K. pneumoniae clusters (n = 7) accurately segregated into their respective veterinary facility with evidence of intra-hospital spread of K. pneumoniae between patients and environmental surfaces. Notably, K. pneumoniae ST147 intensely circulated at one Small Animal Hospital ICU. Conversely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa FTIR clusters (n = 18) commonly contained isolates of diversified hospital source and heterogeneous genetic background (as also genetically related isolates spread across different clusters); nonetheless, dissemination of some clones, such as P. aeruginosa ST2644 in the equine hospital, was apparent. Importantly, FTIR clustering of clinical, colonisation and/or environmental isolates sharing genomically similar backgrounds was seen for both MDR organisms, highlighting likely cross-contamination events that led to clonal dissemination within settings. Conclusion FTIR spectroscopy has high discriminatory power for hospital epidemiological surveillance of veterinary K. pneumoniae and could provide sufficient information to support early detection of clonal dissemination, facilitating implementation of appropriate infection control measures. Further work and careful optimisation need to be carried out to improve its performance for typing of P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Zendri
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Schmidt
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anette Loeffler
- Western Counties Equine Hospital Ltd., Culmstock, United Kingdom
| | | | - Cajsa Isgren
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Gina Pinchbeck
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Haldenby
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dorina Timofte
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
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Jinadatha C, Navarathna T, Negron-Diaz J, Ghamande G, Corona BA, Adrianza A, Coppin JD, Choi H, Chatterjee P. Understanding the significance of microbiota recovered from health care surfaces. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:220-224. [PMID: 38206212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial contamination of hospital surfaces remains despite adherence to routine disinfection. Our study demonstrates bioburden from various types of hospital high-touch surfaces and the pathogenicity of all bacteria recovered. METHODS Several high-touch hospital surfaces from a single medical-surgical unit were sampled and cultured using replicate organism detection and counting (RODAC) Tryptic Soy agar plates. Colonies were then subcultured to blood agar plates and speciated using MALDI-TOF. The local microbiology laboratory database was queried for any clinical isolate match with the environmental samples recovered. RESULTS Manikins, bed rails, and workstations-on-wheels were the most contaminated surfaces with the largest variety of bacteria isolated from manikins and bed rails. A total of 60 different types of pathogens were isolated, 18 of which were well-known pathogens, and 7 were classified as important in the health care setting by CDC. Our clinical microbiology laboratory identified 29 of 60 hospital surface bacteria in clinical isolates. Urine, soft tissue, and blood were the most common sources of clinical isolates. CONCLUSIONS Surfaces in the health care environment harbor both well-known and not-so-well-known human pathogens. Several not-so-well-known pathogens are skin flora or environmental bacteria, which in the right setting, can become pathogenic and cause diseases including meningitis, brain abscess, endocarditis, and bacteremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan Jinadatha
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Thanuri Navarathna
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Juan Negron-Diaz
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX
| | - Gautam Ghamande
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Brandon A Corona
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Andres Adrianza
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX
| | - John D Coppin
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Hosoon Choi
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX
| | - Piyali Chatterjee
- Department of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX.
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Miura M, Gotoh K, Tanamachi C, Katayama H, Fuketa H, Tomoike H, Kawamura N, Watanabe H, Mihashi M. Microbiological analysis concerning the antibacterial effect of atomized Ionless® hypochlorous acid water in a nursery school environment. J Infect Chemother 2024; 30:123-128. [PMID: 37758000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In daycare centers, infants come in close contact with each other, and contact, droplet, and mouth-to-mouth infections may occur owing to sharing of toys. Additional effective disinfection methods should be considered aside from wiping with disinfectants-including alcohol or sodium hypochlorite solution-for environmental disinfection of daycare centers. We aimed to examine the usefulness of hypochlorous acid water atomization in the effective disinfection of the classroom environment and toys at a nursery school. METHODS Environmental cultures of the nursery and toys were prepared to evaluate the species and bacterial load and to assess the contaminated areas. Staphylococcus aureus petri dishes were placed at high-frequency contact sites, and hypochlorous acid water was atomized to achieve a 0.03-ppm atmospheric chlorine concentration. After the atomization, the amount of S. aureus bacteria on the Petri dish and the changes in bacterial count isolated from the environment and toys were evaluated. RESULTS Hypochlorous acid water atomization was performed for 5 h to avoid condensation. After a 3-h atomization, ≥99.99% of S. aureus was eliminated on petri dishes; furthermore, a significant disinfection effect was observed on environmental bacteria at least 1 h after atomization. For rubber and textile toys, the significant disinfection effect was observed 1 h after atomization, and for plastic toys, the effect was observed 3 h after atomization. CONCLUSIONS Hypochlorous acid water atomization is a useful strategy to disinfect nursery school classrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Miura
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
| | - Kenji Gotoh
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
| | - Chiyoko Tanamachi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kurume University Hospital, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
| | - Hideki Katayama
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Fuketa
- Nipro Corporation, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, 14-1, Minamisakae-cho, Kasukabe, Saitama, 344-0057, Japan.
| | - Hideki Tomoike
- Nipro Corporation, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, 14-1, Minamisakae-cho, Kasukabe, Saitama, 344-0057, Japan.
| | - Naohisa Kawamura
- Nipro Corporation, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, 14-1, Minamisakae-cho, Kasukabe, Saitama, 344-0057, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Kurume University Hospital, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
| | - Mutsuko Mihashi
- International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1, Enokizu, Okawa, Fukuoka, 831-8501, Japan.
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Omardien S, Pingulkar S, Thayagan M, Buniotto L, de Oliveira Negreiros M. The antibacterial performance of a residual disinfectant against Staphylococcus aureus on environmental surfaces. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338238. [PMID: 38351915 PMCID: PMC10861741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental surfaces play a key role in transmitting pathogens that can survive on surfaces for long durations. The interest in long-lasting or residual disinfectants are, therefore, growing as it might protect surfaces for longer than traditional disinfectants. In this study, a quat-based product claiming residual disinfecting performance against bacteria, among other microorganisms, was tested using an approved standardized method, in a controlled laboratory study and on environmental surfaces in an office building. The results obtained showed that the residual disinfectant can reduce the bacterial counts significantly compared to a traditional quat-based disinfectant when used on horizontal surfaces, twenty-four hours after application. During the standardized test method, the residual disinfectant provided a 6-log reduction, whereas the traditional disinfectant provided only a 1.9-log reduction. Similarly, the residual disinfectant provided a 2.5 log reduction in the laboratory study, whereas the traditional disinfectant had too-numerous-to-count colonies. When tested on environmental surfaces, an ANOVA statistical analysis indicated that surfaces treated with the residual disinfectant had significantly less bacteria present twenty-four hours after application. The antibacterial performance of the residual disinfectant showed to be limited by the orientation of the treated surface, and the thickness of the product film dried on the surface. This study showed the potential of residual disinfectants that warrants further investigation and could potentially aid the further development of the technology.
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Wei Y, Ma Y, Zhang T, Luo X, Yin F, Shui T. Spatiotemporal patterns and risk mapping of provincial hand, foot, and mouth disease in mainland China, 2014-2017. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1291361. [PMID: 38344231 PMCID: PMC10853440 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1291361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has remained a serious public health threat since its first outbreak in China. Analyzing the province-level spatiotemporal distribution of HFMD and mapping the relative risk in mainland China will help determine high-risk provinces and periods of infection outbreaks for use in formulating new priority areas for prevention and control of this disease. Furthermore, our study examined the effect of air pollution on HFMD nationwide, which few studies have done thus far. Methods Data were collected on the number of provincial monthly HFMD infections, air pollution, meteorological variables, and socioeconomic variables from 2014 to 2017 in mainland China. We used spatial autocorrelation to determine the aggregate distribution of HFMD incidence. Spatiotemporal patterns of HFMD were analyzed, risk maps were developed using the Bayesian spatiotemporal model, and the impact of potential influencing factors on HFMD was assessed. Results In our study, from 2014 to 2017, the HFMD annual incidence rate in all provinces of mainland China ranged from 138.80 to 203.15 per 100,000 people, with an average annual incidence rate of 165.86. The temporal risk of HFMD for 31 Chinese provinces exhibited cyclical and seasonal characteristics. The southern and eastern provinces had the highest spatial relative risk (RR > 3) from 2014 to 2017. The HFMD incidence risk in provinces (Hunan, Hubei, and Chongqing) located in central China increased over time. Among the meteorological variables, except for the mean two-minute wind speed (RR 0.6878; 95% CI 0.5841, 0.8042), all other variables were risk factors for HFMD. High GDP per capita (RR 0.9922; 95% CI 0.9841, 0.9999) was a protective factor against HFMD. The higher the birth rate was (RR 1.0657; 95% CI 1.0185, 1.1150), the higher the risk of HFMD. Health workers per 1,000 people (RR 1.2010; 95% CI 1.0443, 1.3771) was positively correlated with HFMD. Conclusions From 2014 to 2017, the central provinces (Hunan, Hubei, and Chongqing) gradually became high-risk regions for HFMD. The spatiotemporal pattern of HFMD risk may be partially attributed to meteorological and socioeconomic factors. The prevalence of HFMD in the central provinces requires attention, as prevention control efforts should be strengthened there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wei
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Ma
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelian Luo
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yin
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiejun Shui
- Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
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Yu X, Yin Y, Wu Z, Cao H. An Assessment of Human Opportunistic Pathogenic Bacteria on Daily Necessities in Nanjing City during Plum Rain Season. Microorganisms 2024; 12:260. [PMID: 38399664 PMCID: PMC10892523 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The plum rain season is a special climatic phenomenon in east Asia, which is characterized by persistent rainfall, a high temperature, and humidity, providing suitable environmental conditions for certain pathogenic bacteria, thus increasing the incidence of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary diseases. However, studies on human opportunistic pathogenic bacteria communities during the plum rain season are still limited. In this study, the characteristics of human opportunistic pathogenic bacterial communities on daily necessities during the non-plum and plum rain seasons were investigated using high-throughput sequencing technology. The results revealed that the relative abundance of human opportunistic pathogenic bacteria was higher in the plum rain season (cotton cloth: 2.469%, electric bicycles: 0.724%, rice: 3.737%, and washbasins: 5.005%) than in the non-plum rain season (cotton cloth: 1.425%, electric bicycles: 0.601%, rice: 2.426%, and washbasins: 4.801%). Both temperature and relative humidity affected human opportunistic pathogenic bacterial communities. Stochastic processes dominated the assembly process of human opportunistic pathogenic bacterial communities, and undominated processes prevailed. The stability of the co-occurrence network was higher in the non-plum rain season than that in the plum rain season. In addition, the proportion of deterministic processes showed the same trend as the complexity of the co-occurrence network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.Y.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yifan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.Y.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Zuoyou Wu
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211112, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (X.Y.); (Y.Y.)
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Eckerstorfer MF, Dolezel M, Miklau M, Greiter A, Heissenberger A, Engelhard M. Scanning the Horizon for Environmental Applications of Genetically Modified Viruses Reveals Challenges for Their Environmental Risk Assessment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1507. [PMID: 38338787 PMCID: PMC10855828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The release of novel genetically modified (GM) virus applications into the environment for agricultural, veterinary, and nature-conservation purposes poses a number of significant challenges for risk assessors and regulatory authorities. Continuous efforts to scan the horizon for emerging applications are needed to gain an overview of new GM virus applications. In addition, appropriate approaches for risk assessment and management have to be developed. These approaches need to address pertinent challenges, in particular with regard to the environmental release of GM virus applications with a high probability for transmission and spreading, including transboundary movements and a high potential to result in adverse environmental effects. However, the current preparedness at the EU and international level to assess such GM virus application is limited. This study addresses some of the challenges associated with the current situation, firstly, by conducting a horizon scan to identify emerging GM virus applications with relevance for the environment. Secondly, outstanding issues regarding the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM virus applications are identified based on an evaluation of case study examples. Specifically, the limited scientific information available for the ERA of some applications and the lack of detailed and appropriate guidance for ERA are discussed. Furthermore, considerations are provided for future work that is needed to establish adequate risk assessment and management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Eckerstorfer
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Marion Dolezel
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Marianne Miklau
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Anita Greiter
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Heissenberger
- Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.D.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Margret Engelhard
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Division Assessment Synthetic Biology, Enforcement Genetic Engineering Act, Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany;
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Javed MQ, Kovalchuk I, Yevtushenko D, Yang X, Stanford K. Relationship between Desiccation Tolerance and Biofilm Formation in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Microorganisms 2024; 12:243. [PMID: 38399647 PMCID: PMC10891874 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major concern in the food industry and requires effective control measures to prevent foodborne illnesses. Previous studies have demonstrated increased difficulty in the control of biofilm-forming STEC. Desiccation, achieved through osmotic stress and water removal, has emerged as a potential antimicrobial hurdle. This study focused on 254 genetically diverse E. coli strains collected from cattle, carcass hides, hide-off carcasses, and processing equipment. Of these, 141 (55.51%) were STEC and 113 (44.48%) were generic E. coli. The biofilm-forming capabilities of these isolates were assessed, and their desiccation tolerance was investigated to understand the relationships between growth temperature, relative humidity (RH), and bacterial survival. Only 28% of the STEC isolates had the ability to form biofilms, compared to 60% of the generic E. coli. Stainless steel surfaces were exposed to different combinations of temperature (0 °C or 35 °C) and relative humidity (75% or 100%), and the bacterial attachment and survival rates were measured over 72 h and compared to controls. The results revealed that all the strains exposed to 75% relative humidity (RH) at any temperature had reduced growth (p < 0.001). In contrast, 35 °C and 100% RH supported bacterial proliferation, except for isolates forming the strongest biofilms. The ability of E. coli to form a biofilm did not impact growth reduction at 75% RH. Therefore, desiccation treatment at 75% RH at temperatures of 0 °C or 35 °C holds promise as a novel antimicrobial hurdle for the removal of biofilm-forming E. coli from challenging-to-clean surfaces and equipment within food processing facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Qasim Javed
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (M.Q.J.); (I.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (M.Q.J.); (I.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dmytro Yevtushenko
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (M.Q.J.); (I.K.); (D.Y.)
| | - Xianqin Yang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, AB T4L 1V7, Canada;
| | - Kim Stanford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; (M.Q.J.); (I.K.); (D.Y.)
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Tan M, Tian Y, Zhang D, Wang Q, Gao Z. Aerosol Transmission of Norovirus. Viruses 2024; 16:151. [PMID: 38275961 PMCID: PMC10818780 DOI: 10.3390/v16010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of the transmission mode is of great significance for the prevention and control of the NoV infection. Currently, the transmission modes of NoV include contact, food-borne, water-borne and aerosol transmission. The first three modes are more common, while aerosol transmission is seldom reported. In this paper, the source, generation mechanism, infectivity, sampling and related outbreaks of NoV aerosol are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Tan
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Institute for the Control of Infectious and Endemic Diseases, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Daitao Zhang
- Institute for the Control of Infectious and Endemic Diseases, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Quanyi Wang
- Institute for the Control of Infectious and Endemic Diseases, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Zhiyong Gao
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Institute for the Control of Infectious and Endemic Diseases, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, China
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Gustafsson L, Wikström C, Mueller RS, Bergvall K. Microbes on Clipper Blades after Use and Disinfection in Small Animal- and Equine Practice. Vet Sci 2024; 11:38. [PMID: 38250944 PMCID: PMC10819727 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Clipping hair on animals can produce microtraumas of the skin and the dislodgement of microorganisms to the clipper blade. This study evaluates if clipper blades in animal hospitals in Sweden are contaminated with bacteria and/or dermatophytes after disinfection. Eleven clipper blades from three veterinary referral hospitals, including one with a small animal department and an equine department, were sampled for bacteria and dermatophytes. All the hospitals had disinfection routines in accordance with the national recommendations for hygiene in veterinary medicine. The sampled clipper blades were supposed to be disinfected and they were considered to be ready for use by staff. Five sterilized clipper blades were used as controls. The results showed that 64-100% of the disinfected clipper blades, from all three hospitals, were contaminated with bacteria, whereas all the sterilized clipper blades were negative for bacterial growth (p < 0.05). One clipper blade from the equine department was contaminated with dermatophytes. The results indicate that the disinfection routines were not sufficient for removing bacteria from used clipper blades, and that sterilization would be a more reliable way to minimize the risk of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Gustafsson
- Evidensia Södra Djursjukhuset, Månskärsvägen 13, 141 75 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | | | - Ralf S. Mueller
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinärstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Bergvall
- Evidensia Södra Djursjukhuset, Månskärsvägen 13, 141 75 Huddinge, Sweden;
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Swedish, University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7070, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Chen L, Song Z, Zhou X, Yang G, Yu G. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi in bioaerosols from specialized hospitals in Shandong province, East China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122922. [PMID: 37984476 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria and fungi are abundant and ubiquitous in bioaerosols in hospital environments. Understanding the distribution and diversity of microbial communities within bioaerosols is critical for mitigating their detrimental effects. Our knowledge on the composition of bacteria or fungi in bioaerosols is limited, especially the potential pathogens present in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from specialized hospitals. Thirty p.m.2.5 filter samples were collected from five hospitals (i.e., oral, dermatology, chest, eye, and general hospitals) in Shandong Province, East China. The diversity of bacteria and fungi was analyzed at the species level using single-molecule real-time sequencing of the 16 S and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS) ribosomal genes, respectively. Significant differences were detected across sampling sites in terms of microbial diversity and community composition in PM2.5 as well as pollution concentrations. The range of PM2.5 concentrations observed in hospital halls was higher, ranging from 39.0 to 46.2 μg/m3, compared to the wards where the concentrations ranged from 10.7 to 25.2 μg/m3. Furthermore, microbial variations in PM2.5 bioaerosols were associated with hospital type. The most dominant pathogens identified were Vibrio metschnikovii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Fusarium pseudensiforme, and Aspergillus ruber. Among these, A. ruber was identified as an opportunistic fungus in a hospital setting for the first time. Nine potentially novel strains of F. pseudensiforme, showing 84.5%-92.0% ITS sequence similarity to known Fusarium isolates, were identified in PM2.5 samples from all hospitals (excluding an eye hospital). This study highlights the importance of hospital environments in shaping microbial aerosol communities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide insights into the bacterial and fungal biodiversity of PM2.5 in specialized hospitals, enriching research in healthcare environmental microbiology and carrying significant public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Zhicheng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xintian Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Taian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Taian 271000, China
| | - Guiwen Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guanliu Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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