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Published on: February 9, 2011

Growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis in anaesthetic resuscitative drugs: implications for potential contamination

C Wu1, C Engler, R Norton

  • 1Departments of Anaesthesia and Microbiology, The Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland.

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|June 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Suxamethonium, atropine, and metaraminol inhibit Staphylococcus epidermidis survival in anesthetic drugs. Ephedrine showed a slower decline, similar to saline, indicating limited antimicrobial properties against this common contaminant.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmaceutical Science

Background:

  • Healthcare-associated infections are a significant concern.
  • Contamination of injectable medications poses a risk.
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin bacterium and potential contaminant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro survival of Staphylococcus epidermidis in commonly used anesthetic resuscitative drugs.
  • To determine the antimicrobial properties of suxamethonium, atropine, metaraminol, and ephedrine against S. epidermidis.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled laboratory study.
  • Inoculation of four anesthetic drugs (suxamethonium, atropine, metaraminol, ephedrine) with S. epidermidis.
  • Culture and colony counts on horse blood agar at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours.

Main Results:

  • Suxamethonium, atropine, and metaraminol demonstrated significant inhibition of S. epidermidis colony counts within six hours.
  • Ephedrine exhibited a gradual decline in S. epidermidis counts over 24 hours, comparable to normal saline.
  • These findings suggest limited support for S. epidermidis survival in the tested drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Suxamethonium, atropine, and metaraminol do not support the survival of Staphylococcus epidermidis over a 24-hour period.
  • Ephedrine shows minimal antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis.
  • These results have implications for medication handling and infection control in clinical settings.

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