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Growth and survival of bacteria implicated in sudden infant death syndrome on cot mattress materials

R O Jenkins1, R E Sherburn

  • 1School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK. roj@dmu.ac.uk

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|August 20, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus survives for extended periods on polyurethane cot mattress foam, especially in low humidity. This prolonged survival may contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of infant mortality.
  • The role of bacterial toxins in SIDS, particularly on cot mattresses, is an area of ongoing research.
  • Cot mattresses are composed of various materials, including polyurethane (PU) foam and different cover fabrics, which may harbor bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the survival and growth of key bacteria implicated in SIDS on cot mattress materials.
  • To compare bacterial survival on polyurethane (PU) inner-foams versus different cot mattress cover materials.
  • To assess the impact of environmental factors like humidity and temperature on bacterial viability.

Main Methods:

  • Inoculation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes onto PU foam and cover materials (polyvinyl chloride, cotton, polyester).
  • Assessment of bacterial survival under varying relative humidity (RH) and incubation temperatures.
  • Enumeration of viable cells using selective media and analysis of PU leachate for nutrient utilization (carbon, nitrogen, aromatic amines).

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes demonstrated significant survival (>206 days) on PU foam and polyester covers at high RH (75%).
  • Staphylococcus aureus exhibited prolonged survival on PU foam even at low RH (25%).
  • Aqueous leachate from PU foam supported bacterial growth, with Staphylococcus aureus utilizing soluble components and reducing aromatic amines.

Conclusions:

  • Polyurethane cot mattress foam supports the prolonged survival of Staphylococcus aureus, even under low humidity conditions.
  • The soluble components within PU foam can serve as essential carbon and nitrogen sources for bacterial growth.
  • The extended survival of Staphylococcus aureus on PU foam at low RH may offer a mechanistic link to the increased SIDS risk associated with used infant mattresses, supporting the bacterial toxins hypothesis.

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