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Abu-Rub LI, Johar ARA, Al Mana H, Abdelrahman HA, Althani AA, Qotba H, Yassine HM, Eltai NO. Bacterial indoor air contaminations in hospitals in MENA region: a systematic review. Int J Environ Health Res 2023; 33:1218-1232. [PMID: 35658652 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2083087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality in healthcare settings has been tied with the increase in hospital-acquired infections. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to assess the levels and compositions of bacteria in indoor hospital air in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We examined results provided by different search engines published between 2000 and 2021. Our data showed that most studies were conducted in Iran (80.9%) with a bacterial concentration mean of 172.9 CFU/m3. Comparing sensitive and non-sensitive areas of hospitals, no significant difference was detected in the mean bacterial concentration. The most investigated sensitive hospital areas were operating rooms and intensive care units with mean indoor bacterial concentrations of 180.3 CFU/m3 and 204.6 CFU/m3, respectively. Staphylococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Bacillaceae were commonly identified bacterial families. In conclusion, the mean concentrations of the airborne bacteria were within the acceptable limit compared to WHO standards (300 CFU/m3) for the air in areas occupied by immunosuppressed people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Al-Reem A Johar
- Research and Development Department, Barzan Holdings, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassan Al Mana
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Hamda Qotba
- Clinical Research Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Clinical Research Primary Healthcare Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nahla O Eltai
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Branysova T, Limpouch O, Durovic M, Demnerova K, Stiborova H. Bacterial Diversity on Historical Audio-Visual Materials and in the Atmosphere of Czech Depositories. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0117623. [PMID: 37428069 PMCID: PMC10434117 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01176-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial contamination in cultural heritage storage facilities is undoubtedly still a huge problem and leads to the biodeterioration of historical objects and thus the loss of information for future generations. Most studies focus on fungi that colonize materials, which are the primary agents of biodeterioration. However, bacteria also play crucial roles in this process. Therefore, this study focuses on identifying bacteria that colonize audio-visual materials and those present in the air in the archives of the Czech Republic. For our purposes, the Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing method was used. Using this method, 18 bacterial genera with an abundance of higher than 1% were identified on audio-visual materials and in the air. We also evaluated some factors that were assumed to possibly influence the composition of bacterial communities on audio-visual materials, of which locality was shown to be significant. Locality also explained most of the variability in bacterial community structure. Furthermore, an association between genera colonizing materials and genera present in the air was demonstrated, and indicator genera were evaluated for each locality. IMPORTANCE The existing literature on microbial contamination of audio-visual materials has predominantly used culture-based methods to evaluate contamination and has overlooked the potential impact of environmental factors and material composition on microbial communities. Furthermore, previous studies have mainly focused on contamination by microscopic fungi, neglecting other potentially harmful microorganisms. To address these gaps in knowledge, our study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis of bacterial communities present on historical audio-visual materials. Our statistical analyses demonstrate the critical importance of including air analysis in such studies, as airborne microorganisms can significantly contribute to the contamination of these materials. The insights gained from this study are not only valuable in developing effective preventive measures to mitigate contamination but also valuable in identifying targeted disinfection methods for specific types of microorganisms. Overall, our findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to understanding microbial contamination in cultural heritage materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Branysova
- Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Limpouch
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Chemical Technology of Monument Conservation, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Durovic
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Department of Chemical Technology of Monument Conservation, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Demnerova
- Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Stiborova
- Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Mahmoudi A, Tavakoly Sany SB, Ahari Salmasi M, Bakhshi A, Bustan A, Heydari S, Rezayi M, Gheybi F. Application of nanotechnology in air purifiers as a viable approach to protect against Corona virus. IET Nanobiotechnol 2023. [PMID: 37096564 DOI: 10.1049/nbt2.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 disease, the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome, is considered a worldwide public health concern. Although studies indicated that the virus could spread through respiratory particles or droplets in close contact, current research have revealed that the virus stays viable in aerosols for several hours. Numerous investigations have highlighted the protective role of air purifiers in the management of COVID-19 transmission, however, there are still some doubts regarding the efficiency and safety of these technologies. According to those observations, using a proper ventilation system can extensively decrease the spread of COVID-19. However, most of those strategies are currently in the experimental stages. This review aimed at summarising the safety and effectiveness of the recent approaches in this field including using nanofibres that prevent the spread of airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Here, the efficacy of controlling COVID-19 by means of combining multiple strategies is comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Belin Tavakoly Sany
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ahari Salmasi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Bakhshi
- School of Physics, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Arad Bustan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sahar Heydari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Rezayi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Szulc J, Okrasa M, Ryngajłło M, Pielech-Przybylska K, Gutarowska B. Markers of Chemical and Microbiological Contamination of the Air in the Sport Centers. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083560. [PMID: 37110794 PMCID: PMC10144153 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the markers of chemical and microbiological contamination of the air at sport centers (e.g., the fitness center in Poland) including the determination of particulate matter, CO2, formaldehyde (DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor; Multi-functional Air Quality Detector), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), the number of microorganisms in the air (culture methods), and microbial biodiversity (high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform). Additionally the number of microorganisms and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (PCR) on the surfaces was determined. Total particle concentration varied between 0.0445 mg m-3 and 0.0841 mg m-3 with the dominance (99.65-99.99%) of the PM2.5 fraction. The CO2 concentration ranged from 800 ppm to 2198 ppm, while the formaldehyde concentration was from 0.005 mg/m3 to 0.049 mg m-3. A total of 84 VOCs were identified in the air collected from the gym. Phenol, D-limonene, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol dominated in the air at the tested facilities. The average daily number of bacteria was 7.17 × 102 CFU m-3-1.68 × 103 CFU m-3, while the number of fungi was 3.03 × 103 CFU m-3-7.34 × 103 CFU m-3. In total, 422 genera of bacteria and 408 genera of fungi representing 21 and 11 phyla, respectively, were detected in the gym. The most abundant bacteria and fungi (>1%) that belonged to the second and third groups of health hazards were: Escherichia-Shigella, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. In addition, other species that may be allergenic (Epicoccum) or infectious (Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Sporobolomyces) were present in the air. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on surfaces in the gym. The monitoring proposal for the assessment of the air quality at a sport center includes the following markers: total particle concentration with the PM2.5 fraction, CO2 concentration, VOCs (phenol, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol), and the number of bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Szulc
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-530 Łódź, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Okrasa
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, 90-133 Łódź, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ryngajłło
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-573 Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Beata Gutarowska
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-530 Łódź, Poland
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Boccia G, Di Spirito F, D’Ambrosio F, De Caro F, Pecora D, Giorgio R, Fortino L, Longanella W, Franci G, Santella B, Amato M. Microbial Air Contamination in a Dental Setting Environment and Ultrasonic Scaling in Periodontally Healthy Subjects: An Observational Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:ijerph20032710. [PMID: 36768076 PMCID: PMC9916071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The risk of microbial air contamination in a dental setting, especially during aerosol-generating dental procedures (AGDPs), has long been recognized, becoming even more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, individual pathogens were rarely studied, and microbial loads were measured heterogeneously, often using low-sensitivity methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess microbial air contamination in the dental environment, identify the microorganisms involved, and determine their count by active air sampling at the beginning (T0), during (T1), and at the end (T2) of ultrasonic scaling in systemically and periodontally healthy subjects. Air microbial contamination was detected at T0 in all samples, regardless of whether the sample was collected from patients treated first or later; predominantly Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Bacillus spp. and a minority of fungi, were identified. The number of bacterial colonies at T1 was higher, although the species found were similar to that found during the T0 sampling, whereby Gram-positive bacteria, mainly Streptococcus spp., were identified. Air samples collected at T2 showed a decrease in bacterial load compared to the previous sampling. Further research should investigate the levels and patterns of the microbial contamination of air, people, and the environment in dental settings via ultrasonic scaling and other AGDPs and identify the microorganisms involved to perform the procedure- and patient-related risk assessment and provide appropriate recommendations for aerosol infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Boccia
- Dai Dipartimento Di Igiene Sanitaria e Medicina Valutativa U.O.C. Igiene Ospedaliera, A.O.U. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84131 Salerno, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Federica Di Spirito
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Ambrosio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco De Caro
- Dai Dipartimento Di Igiene Sanitaria e Medicina Valutativa U.O.C. Igiene Ospedaliera, A.O.U. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84131 Salerno, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Domenico Pecora
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giorgio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Luigi Fortino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Biagio Santella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- Correspondence: (B.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Massimo Amato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- Correspondence: (B.S.); (M.A.)
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Tsukushi T, Shinohara R, Adachi Y, Kurosaki Y, Ishii N, Katagiri M, Munekata S, Kanoh Y. Air contamination of therapeutic drug monitoring assay reagents results in falsely high plasma ammonia levels. Ann Clin Biochem 2022; 59:193-198. [PMID: 35044236 DOI: 10.1177/00045632221074508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence shows that contamination of blood samples by atmospheric ammonia affects blood ammonia test levels; however, reports on the effect of ammonia contamination of assay reagents are limited. Here, we aimed to clarify the effect of ammonia contamination of assay reagents, particularly the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) reagents, on the detection levels of blood ammonia using enzymatic assays. METHODS Ammonia gas was measured in the refrigerator compartment of the automatic analyser and the reaction tank water, probe wash water and drain outlets connected to the automatic analyser. At different time points following the closure of the cold storage, ammonia levels in quality control plasma samples were measured using three commercial assay reagents to evaluate the effect of air contamination. The distribution of evaporated ammonia in the reagent was measured using the CicaLiquid NH3 assay kit containing the assay reagent most affected by air contamination. RESULTS It was confirmed that ammonia gas was generated in the cold storage of the automatic analyser. More than half of the reagents detected >0.25 ppm ammonia, and the highest concentration was detected in the TDM reagent. The ammonia levels obtained using all three reagents increased significantly after 3 h of air contamination. The effect was resolved by measuring a 'dummy' sample or mixing the reagents by inversion. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that air contamination by TDM reagents placed in cold storage could result in significantly falsely high ammonia measurements. Preventing this effect would improve the accuracy of ammonia measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Tsukushi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 73444Kitasato University Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, 89285Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ryota Shinohara
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 73444Kitasato University Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Adachi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 73444Kitasato University Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Kurosaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, 89285Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naohito Ishii
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, 89285Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Masato Katagiri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Allied Health Sciences, 89285Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Shinichi Munekata
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 73444Kitasato University Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yuhsaku Kanoh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 73444Kitasato University Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, 38088Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
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Zhou J, Otter JA, Price JR, Cimpeanu C, Garcia DM, Kinross J, Boshier PR, Mason S, Bolt F, Holmes AH, Barclay WS. Investigating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Surface and Air Contamination in an Acute Healthcare Setting During the Peak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in London. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1870-e1877. [PMID: 32634826 PMCID: PMC7454437 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surface and air contamination during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in London. METHODS Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in a multisite London hospital. Air and surface samples were collected from 7 clinical areas occupied by patients with COVID-19 and a public area of the hospital. Three or four 1.0-m3 air samples were collected in each area using an active air sampler. Surface samples were collected by swabbing items in the immediate vicinity of each air sample. SARS-CoV-2 was detected using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral culture; the limit of detection for culturing SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces was determined. RESULTS Viral RNA was detected on 114 of 218 (52.3%) surfaces and in 14 of 31 (38.7%) air samples, but no virus was cultured. Viral RNA was more likely to be found in areas immediately occupied by COVID-19 patients than in other areas (67 of 105 [63.8%] vs 29 of 64 [45.3%]; odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9; P = .025, χ2 test). The high PCR cycle threshold value for all samples (>30) indicated that the virus would not be culturable. CONCLUSIONS Our findings of extensive viral RNA contamination of surfaces and air across a range of acute healthcare settings in the absence of cultured virus underlines the potential risk from environmental contamination in managing COVID-19 and the need for effective use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, and hand/surface hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan A Otter
- National Institute for Healthcare Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in HCAI and AMR, Imperial College London & Public Health England, Hammersmith Hospital
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - James R Price
- National Institute for Healthcare Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in HCAI and AMR, Imperial College London & Public Health England, Hammersmith Hospital
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Cristina Cimpeanu
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Danel Meno Garcia
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - James Kinross
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Piers R Boshier
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sam Mason
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Frances Bolt
- National Institute for Healthcare Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in HCAI and AMR, Imperial College London & Public Health England, Hammersmith Hospital
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alison H Holmes
- National Institute for Healthcare Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in HCAI and AMR, Imperial College London & Public Health England, Hammersmith Hospital
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Portilha-Cunha MF, Alves A, Santos MSF. Cytostatics in Indoor Environment: An Update of Analytical Methods. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:574. [PMID: 34204005 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodic and adequate environmental monitoring programs are crucial to assess and reduce the occupational exposure of healthcare workers to cytostatics. The analytical methods employed should be rapid, reliable, sensitive, standardized, and include multiple compounds. A critical overview of recent overall procedures for surface and air contamination with cytostatics in workplace settings is presented, with a focus on sampling, sample preparation, and instrumental considerations. Limitations are also addressed and some recommendations and advice are provided. Since dermal absorption is the main exposure route, surface contamination is the preferred indicator of biological uptake and its methods have significantly improved. In contrast, cytostatics’ inhalation is rare; thus, air contamination has been poorly studied, with little improvement. Still, some elements of the analytical methods have not been extensively explored, namely: the amount of wetting solution, the extraction procedure, surface chemistry and roughness, recovery studies from specific surfaces, and cytostatics stability (in surfaces and during shipping and storage). Furthermore, complete validation data (including precision, accuracy, and instrumental and method detection limits) and estimation of global uncertainty are still lacking in most studies, thus preventing method comparison and proposal of standardized procedures.
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Tselebonis A, Nena E, Panopoulou M, Kontogiorgis C, Bezirtzoglou E, Constantinidis T. Air Contamination in Different Departments of a Tertiary Hospital. Assessment of Microbial Load and of Antimicrobial Susceptibility. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E163. [PMID: 32560299 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Air contamination in the hospital setting can be a reason for the spread of nosocomial infection among susceptible patients. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial species, and their load and drug resistance, in the air of a tertiary hospital. Air samples were collected on a monthly basis for 12 consecutive months in four different departments of the hospital (Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Internal Medicine Ward (IMW), Surgical Ward (SW), and Neonatal Unit (NU)). In total, 101 samples were collected, out of which 158 Gram-positive (GP) and 44 Gram-negative (GN) strains were isolated. The majority of GP isolates were Staphylococcus spp. (n = 100). The highest total microbial load was reported in the IMW (p = 0.005), while the highest Staphylococcus load was observed in the ICU (p = 0.018). GP bacterial load was higher in autumn, while GN load was higher in spring. Regarding drug resistance, four multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains and one extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain were isolated in the ICU, two MDR strains and one XDR strain in the SW, one MDR strain in the IMW and one MDR strain in the NU samples. Air in hospital settings is contaminated with various microbes; some of them are MDR, consisting a potential cause of hospital-acquired infection.
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Sessink PJM, Nyulasi T, Haraldsson ELM, Rebic B. Reduction of Contamination with Antibiotics on Surfaces and in Environmental Air in Three European Hospitals Following Implementation of a Closed-System Drug Transfer Device. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:459-467. [PMID: 30852616 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Occupational exposure of nurses to antibiotics may result in adverse health effects such as hypersensitivity, allergic reactions, resistance, and anaphylactic shock. The purpose of this study was to measure surface and air contamination with antibiotics in three hospitals during the preparation of the drugs using conventional techniques or using the Tevadaptor® closed-system drug transfer device (CSTD). METHODS Surface contamination was measured by taking wipe samples. Stationary air samples were collected in preparation areas and personal air samples were collected in the working environment of the nurses. Contamination was reassessed after several weeks following implementation of the CSTD. Surface contamination was compared before and after CSTD introduction. Vancomycin, meronem, augmentin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, piperacillin, and benzylpenicillin were monitored. Wipe and air samples were analyzed using liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS Using conventional preparation techniques, widespread contamination with antibiotics up to 767 ng cm-2 was detected. After implementation of the CSTD, contamination levels significantly decreased for the most frequently prepared antibiotics in the three hospitals.Using the conventional preparation technique, three antibiotics were detected in environmental air of seven nurses in two hospitals (0.01-5 µg m-3), and one antibiotic was found in environmental air above a preparation surface (0.02 µg m-3). After implementation of the CSTD, the same antibiotic was detected in environmental air above the same preparation surface (1.39 µg m-3) but no antibiotics were detected in environmental air of the nurses in the three hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Using the conventional preparation techniques, surfaces and air were widely contaminated with antibiotics whereas the use of the CSTD significantly reduced contamination. Systematic use of a CSTD significantly reduces exposure to hazardous antibiotics and consequently reduces potential adverse health effects for healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tibor Nyulasi
- Intensive Care Department, Szent János Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Branislava Rebic
- Pharmacy Department, University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia
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Pereira M, Tribess A, Buonanno G, Stabile L, Scungio M, Baffo I. Particle and Carbon Dioxide Concentration Levels in a Surgical Room Conditioned with a Window/Wall Air-conditioning System. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E1180. [PMID: 32069790 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important functions of air conditioning systems in operating rooms is to protect occupants against pathogenic agents transported by air. This protection is done by simultaneously controlling the air distribution, temperature, humidity, filtration and infiltration from other areas etc. Due to their low price, simple installation, operation and maintenance, window/wall air conditioning system have largely been used in operating rooms in Brazil, even if these types of equipment only recirculate the air inside the room without appropriate filtration and renovation with outdoor air. In this context, this work aims to analyse the performance of the window/wall air conditioning systems on indoor air ventilation in operating rooms by measuring particle number concentrations and carbon dioxide concentrations during different surgical procedures, in a single surgical room and in the nearby areas (corridor) for two cases: single surgery and two subsequent surgeries. In addition, the efficiency of the analysed air conditioning system was evaluated by comparing the ventilation level calculated in the surgical room with the ventilation required in order to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration within acceptable levels. The results showed that this type of air conditioning system is not appropriate for use in operating rooms since it cannot provide an adequate level of ventilation. The CO2 concentrations during surgeries, in fact, significantly exceeded acceptable values and a simultaneous increase in particle number concentration was observed. The results also showed that there is a high risk of contamination between subsequent surgeries in the same surgical room, due to residues of contaminants transported by the particles emitted during the surgeries that were not removed from the operating room by the air conditioning system. The particle number concentration measured in the second surgery, in fact, was approximately six times higher than in the first surgery.
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Ahmad Sarji S, Wan Abdullah W, Wastie M. Imaging features of fungal infection in immuno-suppressed patients in a local ward outbreak. Biomed Imaging Interv J 2006; 2:e21. [PMID: 21614228 DOI: 10.2349/biij.2.2.e21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Revised: 03/07/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of study To examine the role of imaging in diagnosing and assessing fungal infections in paediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy in a facility, which had high fungal air contamination due to adjacent building construction work. Materials and method Nineteen patients aged five months to 12 years with various malignancies, mainly leukaemia, along with probable fungal infection were referred for imaging over a period of 12 months. The imaging findings from their CT and chest radiographs were reviewed by two radiologists and correlated with the clinical findings. Blood culture and/or biopsy of relevant lesions were performed for all patients. Results Fungus was positively isolated in 11 out of 19 patients, but the remaining patients clinically had fungal infection. The most common species isolated was Candida sp. (five patients), followed by Aspergillus sp. The most common site of fungal infection was the lungs (10 out of 19 patients), where consolidation or cavitating nodules were seen on CT or the plain chest radiograph. One patient developed pulmonary artery aneurysm as a complication. The other sites affected were the intra-abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, and spleen) and the paranasal sinuses, shown on CT. Two patients with clinical evidence of infection and Candida sp. isolated from their blood, however, showed no abnormal findings on imaging. Conclusion Early diagnosis of fungal infections in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy is important, but diagnosis may be difficult through imaging because of the non-specific changes and the presence of abnormalities from the underlying disease. Even if a specific diagnosis cannot be reached, imaging is useful to monitor response to treatment and detect complications.
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