Reduction In Contamination Rates Research Articles

Pre- and Post-debridement Wound Cultures in Gustilo Type III Open Tibial Fractures to Predict Wound Infection at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Gustilo type III open tibial fractures are difficult injuries that carry a higher risk of infection and other consequences. Open-fracture wound microbiology is dynamic and responsible for change over time. Effective antibiotic treatment plans are required, as detrimental microorganisms are often linked to these types of lesions. The study aimed to determine whether pre- and post-debridement wound cultures could predict wound infection in Gustilo type III open tibial fractures. This prospective study was carried out at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 344 patients who presented to the emergency department with a Gustilo type III open tibial fracture within 24 hours of injury from June 2018 to October 2019. Three successive cultures were carried out: one in the emergency room (surveillance culture), the second at the emergency theater after debridement, and the third in the ward after one week (seven to 10 days). Statistical analyses of the results were conducted using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) and IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The study included 344 patients with an average age of 37.15 years, with motor vehicle accidents being the primary cause (78.2%). Gustilo type IIIA fractures made up the majority (48.5%), followed by type IIIB fractures (44.8%). A significant reduction in contamination rates was observed from initial admission (48.8%) to post-debridement (36.6%) (p =.001). There was a significant positive correlation between pre-debridement cultures and wound infections (r =.311), as well as between post-debridement cultures and wound infections. The infection rate increased to 61.6% in ward samples, indicating a high rate of hospital-acquired infections. Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species were the most prevalent multidrug-resistant bacteria that caused these infections. The present study provides information on the relationship between contamination and infection. Gram-negative pathogens were dominant in this study, and the results of the antibiograms showed an alarming pattern of resistance. Nosocomial infection demands further urgent study.

The impacts of curbside feedback mechanisms on recycling performance of households in the United States

The impacts of curbside feedback mechanisms on recycling performance of households in the United States

Effectiveness of Multimodal Intervention to Improve Blood Culture Collection in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction and methods Blood culturing has become one of the backbone investigations for septicemia, fever of unknown origin, etc. This study was conducted to test the effect of multimodal interventions on the practical skills of healthcareworkers (HCWs), raise awareness regarding the importance of aseptic blood culture collection practices, and increase compliance with the specific steps to be followed. Hence, this current interventional study was aimed at comparing the rate of isolation of contaminants grown among the blood culture specimens, assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HCWscollecting the blood culture specimen on various aspects of sample collection, educating the nursing staff regarding blood sample collection using a structured, pre-formed checklist, and emphasizing best practices for blood culture collection. All of the study's objectives were successfully met within the time frame specified. Using a pre-formed checklist and a Google form for KAP analysis eased the calculation. Results On analysis, the blood culture contamination rate in the pre-interventional phase dropped drastically from 6.16% to 3.03% in the post-interventional phase. The educational sessions conducted are a paramount reason for the reduction in the contamination rate. The HCWs were the least compliant towards the eighth step in the checklist (regarding palpation of skin); however, that too increased from 66.93% and 64.51% to a whopping 82.25% and 83.06%, respectively, with a chi-squarevalue of 0.03 and a p-valueof 0.85 (not significant). Conclusion Implementation of interventional studies as an audit like this in tertiary care hospitals can result in a significant reduction in blood culture contamination rates and can also improve the compliance of HCWs with blood culture protocols. This, in turn, can overall improve the effectiveness of blood culture (BC) testing and reduce mortality and morbidity in tertiary care hospitals. Further research can be conducted to brainstorm more methods to increase the compliance of HCWs. Better monitoring strategies can also be set to ensure low contamination rates. Additionally, some other methods can be derived to locate the source of contamination within the hospital environment and thus eliminate it. Similar interventions can be conducted for a longer duration of time to further reduce the blood culture contamination rate below 3% (as per the recommendations).

Exploring Effective Strategies for ToBRFV Management in Tomato Production: Insights into Seed Transmission Dynamics and Innovative Control Approaches

The tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a formidable tobamovirus, poses a significant threat to tomato production globally. This comprehensive study is dedicated to establishing an integrated control strategy for ToBRFV, encompassing the entire tomato cultivation process from seed to harvest. Initial investigations revealed a 0.8% seed transmission rate of ToBRFV, with viral presence detected in endosperms but not in seed embryos. Employing a multifaceted approach, infected seeds underwent a meticulous disinfection process. Gradual heating in a rotating thermal machine from 20 °C to 72 °C for 3 days resulted in a remarkable 0.3% contamination rate, rendering the virus non-infectious. Furthermore, ToBRFV-infected seeds underwent UV light treatment at 254 nm for 30 min, resulting in a 50% reduction in contamination rates. Chemical disinfectants, including 1% Tsunami 100 (comprising 30–60% acetic acid, 15.2% peroxyacetic acid, and 11.2% hydrogen peroxide) and 1% Biocon A (a combination of potassium peroxymonosulfate with buffer and organic acid), exhibited notable success. This study not only unravels the intricate dynamics of ToBRFV transmission and inactivation but also underscores the efficacy of integrated control measures. The findings provide valuable insights for the sustainable management of ToBRFV, contributing to the resilience of global tomato cultivation against this viral menace.

A two-year monitoring of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts in freshwater and seawater: A complementary strategy for measuring sanitary patterns of recreational tropical coastal areas from Brazil

Primary contact recreation is an important transmission route of gastroenteric protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. However, data on the environmental epidemiology of both protozoa in Brazilian coastal areas still need to be available. The main goal of this study was to perform environmental monitoring and quantify the concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts on the main beaches of the state of Paraná, Brazil, as a complementary tool for measuring the sanitary quality of bathing waters for two years. A total of 144 water samples were harvested monthly for two years from Guaratuba, Caiobá and Matinhos beaches (72 samples of seawater and 72 of freshwater) to search for pathogenic protozoa. Protozoa were concentrated by the membrane filtration technique and visualized by direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA). All positive samples by IFA were submitted for DNA extraction for PCR analysis. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were enumerated by conventional microbiological techniques. Both protozoa were detected on all beaches during the two-year monitoring period. At least one protozoa were detected in 58.3% (n = 14) months of sampling, totaling 24 positive samples. Guaratuba was the most contaminated beach followed by Caiobá and Matinhos. Giardia spp. was detected in 15, Cryptosporidium spp. in seven and both parasites in two samples. Giardia DNA was confirmed on two beaches, and Cryptosporidium was detected for the first time through molecular assays in a coastal area of Brazil. An essential impact of FIB was observed in the first year and a reduction in contamination rates in the second year of monitoring. This is the first study conducted in the country in different environments that composes coastal areas to monitor together parasitological and microbiological quality for extended periods. The monitoring of coastal waters can guide environmental agencies aiming to improve the sanitary quality of beaches and safeguard public health.

Impact of the modification of a cleaning and disinfection method of mechanical ventilators of COVID-19 patients and ventilator-associated pneumonia: One year of experience

BackgroundMechanical ventilators are essential biomedical devices for the respiratory support of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These devices can be transmitters of bacterial pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to implement effective disinfection procedures. The aim of this work was to show the impact of the modification of a cleaning and disinfection method of mechanical ventilators of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and ventilator-associated pneumonia. MethodsA total of 338 mechanical ventilators of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria were divided in two groups. Group A and B were subjected to cleaning and disinfection with superoxidation solution-Cl/enzymatic detergent and isopropyl alcohol, respectively. Both groups were cultured for the detection of ESKAPE bacteria. The isolates were subjected to tests for identification, resistance, adherence, and genomic typing. ResultsContamination rates of 21.6% (n = 36) were identified in group A. The inspiratory limb was the circuit involved in most cases of postdisinfection contamination. Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae were the pathogens involved in the contamination cases. The pathogens were highly adherent and in the case of A. baumanni, clonal dispersion was detected in 14 ventilators. Disinfection with enzymatic detergents allows a 100% reduction in contamination rates. ConclusionsThe implementation of cleaning and disinfection with enzymatic detergents/isopropyl alcohol of mechanical ventilators of patients with SARS-CoV-2 and ESKAPE bacteria had a positive impact on postdisinfection microbial contamination rates.

Reduction of Contamination Rate by Reducing the Volume of Preservative-free 20% Autologous Serum Eye Drops

This study investigated whether contamination can be mitigated by halving the filling volume of autologous serum eye drops from 5.0 to 2.5 mL eye drop bottles. Twelve 5.0 mL and eleven 2.5 mL ophthalmic solution bottles were prepared. The ophthalmic solution was all used after opening, leaving one to two drops of the remaining liquid. Immediately after preparation, the remaining liquid was cultured, and, after use, the nozzle and residual liquid were cultured. As a result, twelve 5.0 mL and nine 2.5 mL ophthalmic solution bottles were collected. The average use days of the 5.0 mL ophthalmic solution were 9.6 days and those of the 2.5 mL eye drops were 4.7 days. Bacteria and fungi were not detected from the residual liquid immediately after preparation. However, after use, bacteria were detected in at least one of the nozzles or residual liquid of all eye drops, and fungi were detected in one. Contamination could not be reduced by shortening the period of use of eye drops. Therefore, 20％ autologous serum eye drops need to be handled more appropriately.

Disinfection of human skin allografts in tissue banking: a systematic review report.

The use of skin allografts to temporarily replace lost or damaged skin is practiced worldwide. Naturally occurring contamination can be present on skin or can be introduced at recovery or during processing. This contamination can pose a threat to allograft recipients. Bacterial culture and disinfection of allografts are mandated, but the specific practices and methodologies are not dictated by standards. A systematic review of literature from three databases found 12 research articles that evaluated bioburden reduction processes of skin grafts. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics and antifungal agents was the most frequently identified disinfection method reported demonstrating reductions in contamination rates. It was determined that the greatest reduction in the skin allograft contamination rates utilized 0.1 % peracetic acid or 25 kGy of gamma irradiation at lower temperatures.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10561-016-9569-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reduction of pollen contamination in Scots pine seed orchard crop by tent isolation

This study examined the differences in mating system between indoor versus outdoor Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seed orchard using DNA markers. By analyzing the paternities in seed crops from isolation tents, we found a significant reduction in contamination rate, from 23% in the outdoor open blocks to 0% inside the tents. Increase in selfing rate and a decrease in genetic diversity in the crops were also observed inside the tents. These undesirable effects can be mitigated to some extent by the supplementation of extra pollen genotypes, e.g. selfing rate decreased from 14.4% to 6.6% and the effective number of fathers increased from 6 to 11.4 in the tents without and with supplemental mass pollination, respectively. Our study showed that tent isolation may become an effective rescuer for seed orchards where pollen contamination is severe.

Seasonality of Bacillus species isolated from blood cultures and its potential implications

Because they are rarely associated with actual infections, Bacillus species are usually defined as contaminants. However, when isolated, they require precise laboratory identification and may influence treatment. Our aims were to examine the seasonality of Bacillus spp isolates cultured from clinical blood specimens. Blood culture results of several hospitals between December 1, 2003, and October 31, 2007, were analyzed. The data were aggregated by month of isolation and were also studied by age. Spectral and Cosinor analyses were used to examine the periodicity of the bacillus isolates. Of 931,331 blood cultures analyzed, 2487 (1.7%) yielded Bacillus spp isolates. There was a 2.5-fold increase in the number of bacillus isolates during August to October, compared with the other months (P < .01). This finding was consistent over hospitals and in all age groups. Spectral and Cosinor analyses confirmed this pattern. Isolation of Bacillus spp from blood cultures has a seasonal pattern. This observation needs to be taken into account in surveillance systems for early detection of anthrax and in investigating nosocomial outbreaks. Elucidating the cause of this seasonality may enable future reduction in contamination rates.

Isolation and Identification of Non-coliform Gram-negative Bacteria in Hatching Eggs to Evaluate the Effect of Egg Fumigation by Formaldehyde

Non-coliform gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella, pseudomonas and proteus are the causes of yolk sac infection. In this study, we evaluated the effect of formaldehyde on the reduction rate of egg shell, yolk and yolk sac contamination.Two hundred and forty hatching eggs from a broiler breeder farm and hatchery as well as sixty newly-hatched chicks (5 stages) were selected for bacteriological examinations.Stages include: Stage 1: Before cleaning and first disinfection, Stage 2: After first disinfection, Stage 3: Before setting inside the setter, Stage 4: Time of transferring from setter to hatcher, Stage 5: Newly-hatched chicks.Alcaligenes faecalis was isolated from 18.3%, 11.7%, 8.3% and 10.0% of egg shells from stages 1 to 4 respectively and it was also isolated from 11.7% of yolk sacs. Non-coliform gram-negative bacteria were not isolated from yolks in any stages. Based on this research the existence of non-coliform gram-negative bacteria on the hatching egg shells is normal. Immediately egg collection after laying and proper disinfection with formaldehyde can lead to a significant reduction of non-coliform gram-negative bacteria with which the risk of bacteria penetration in to the yolk will decrease dramatically. Formaldehyde is usually effective in reducing non-coliform gram-negative contamination, however, in this study it could not affect significantly (p=0.323) on these contaminations, which maybe due to the fact that the bacteria were in the form of spores. The reduction of contamination rate was significant (p=0.049) only between stages 1and 3 which can be attributed to secondary fumigation by formaldehyde.

Trends in Blood Culture Contamination: A College of American Pathologists Q-Tracks Study of 356 Institutions

Blood culture contamination extends hospital stays and increases the cost of care. To measure blood culture contamination rates in a large number of institutions over time and to elucidate practice patterns and demographic factors associated with sustained reduction in contamination rates. Longitudinal cohort study of 356 clinical laboratories that provided quarterly data about blood culture results, using a uniform definition of contamination. Mixed linear model analysis of the 1999 through 2003 data set. Blood culture contamination was significantly higher in institutions that used nonlaboratory personnel to collect blood (P = .03) and significantly lower in facilities that used a dedicated phlebotomy team (P < .001). Higher volume of blood collection was significantly associated with lower contamination rates (P < .001). Continued participation in the Q-Tracks monitoring program was associated with significant and progressive reduction in contamination rates. By the fifth year of participation, the median institution had reduced its blood culture contamination rate by 0.67% (P < .001). Institutions that use decentralized patient-centered personnel rather than dedicated phlebotomy teams to collect blood cultures experience significantly higher contamination rates. Long-term monitoring of contamination is associated with sustained improvement in performance.

Trends in Blood Culture Contamination: A College of American Pathologists Q-Tracks Study of 356 Institutions

Abstract Context.—Blood culture contamination extends hospital stays and increases the cost of care. Objectives.—To measure blood culture contamination rates in a large number of institutions over time and to elucidate practice patterns and demographic factors associated with sustained reduction in contamination rates. Design.—Longitudinal cohort study of 356 clinical laboratories that provided quarterly data about blood culture results, using a uniform definition of contamination. Mixed linear model analysis of the 1999 through 2003 data set. Results.—Blood culture contamination was significantly higher in institutions that used nonlaboratory personnel to collect blood (P = .03) and significantly lower in facilities that used a dedicated phlebotomy team (P < .001). Higher volume of blood collection was significantly associated with lower contamination rates (P < .001). Continued participation in the Q-Tracks monitoring program was associated with significant and progressive reduction in contamination rat...

Reactive Gas Plasma Specimen Processing for Use in Microanalysis and Imaging in Analytical Electron Microscopy

Abstract It has long been the bane of analytical electron microscopy (AEM) that the use of focused probes during microanalysis of specimens increases the local rate of hydrocarbon contamination. This is most succinctly observed by the formation of contamination deposits (fig.l) during focused probe work typical of AEM studies. While serving to indicate the location of the electron probe, the contamination obliterates the area of the specimen being analyzed and adversely affects all quantitative microanalysis methodologies. A variety of methods including: UV, electron beam flooding, heating and/or cooling can decrease the rate of contamination, however, none of these methods directly attack the source of specimen borne contamination. Research has shown that reactive gas plasmas may be used to clean both the specimen and stage for AEM, in this study we report on quantitative measurements of the reduction in contamination rates in an AEM as a function of operating conditions and plasma gases.

Reduction of Contamination Rates in Electron Microscopes

In scanning and transmission electron microscopes anti-contamination coldfingers at the specimen are usually limited in design or use because of available space. An anti-contamination device has been developed which takes advantage of the space provided by the long evacuation pipes employed on many SEMs and TEMs. This device consists of a long U shaped copper tube inserted into the vacuum line used to evacuate the emission chamber and column. Liquid nitrogen is circulated through the copper tube for cooling. The cooled tube provides a trapping surface for contamination with a minimum restriction to gas flow. A “top hat” configuration, as shown in the figure, was used to prevent freezing of-the o-ring. The purpose of the cup is to increase the heat conduction path between the feed-thru and the o-ring.Two such devices were installed in electron microscopes; one in a JSM II SEM and one in a Philips EM 200 TEM.