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Bacterial contamination of spacer devices used by asthmatic children
Herman A Cohen1, Zeev Cohen, Avi Shalom Pomeranz
1Pediatric Ambulatory Center, General Health Services, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Objectives:
To investigate bacterial contamination in spacer devices used by asthmatic children and the device maintenance procedures practiced by parents.
Methods:
Spacer devices used by 62 asthmatic children were examined. Swabs taken from the inner surface of the reservoirs and face masks were cultured. Parents were interviewed regarding their spacer cleaning and disinfection routines.
Results:
Bacterial contamination was noted in 22 reservoirs (35.5%) and 16 masks (25.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 21.0% of the reservoirs and 14.5% of the face masks, Klebsiella pneumoniae from 6.5% and 4.8%, and Staphylococcus aureus from 9.7% and 8.1%, respectively. Only 34 parents (54.8%) reported that they received cleaning and maintenance instructions from the medical staff at initiation of spacer use by their child, and only 38 (61.8%) cleaned the device after each use.
Conclusion:
Bacterial contamination is common in spacer devices. This study demonstrates that contamination rates are significantly lower when parents clean and actually dry (preferably with an air blower) spacer devices after each use. Spacer device maintenance should be emphasized in education programs for managing asthma.
Insights
Bacterial contamination is common in asthma inhaler spacer devices. Proper cleaning and drying after each use significantly reduce contamination, highlighting the need for better parent education on device maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Hygiene
Background:
- Spacer devices are crucial for asthma management in children.
- Bacterial contamination of these devices can pose health risks.
- Inadequate cleaning practices may contribute to contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bacterial contamination levels in spacers used by asthmatic children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of parental cleaning and maintenance routines.
- To identify common bacteria found on contaminated spacer devices.
Main Methods:
- Cultured swabs from inner reservoirs and face masks of 62 children's spacers.
- Interviewed parents about their cleaning and disinfection practices.
- Identified bacterial species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Main Results:
- Bacterial contamination found in 35.5% of reservoirs and 25.8% of masks.
- Significant isolation rates of P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus.
- Only 54.8% of parents received initial instructions, and 61.8% cleaned devices after each use.
Conclusions:
- Spacer device contamination is prevalent among pediatric asthma patients.
- Regular cleaning and thorough drying (e.g., air blower) reduce contamination rates.
- Emphasizing spacer maintenance in asthma education programs is essential for patient safety.
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