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Studying Microbial Communities In Vivo: A Model of Host-mediated Interaction Between Candida Albicans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Airways
Published on: January 13, 2016
[The relationship between airborne colonization and nosocomial infections in intensive care units]
Gul Dürmaz1, Abdurrahman Kiremitçi, Yurdanur Akgün
1Osmangazi Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dali, Eskişehir.
Abstract:
The relationship between the airborne contaminants obtained from operating theatres and intensive care units and the colonizing and infecting microorganisms isolated from patients were investigated. Air samples were obtained with the biocollector air IDEAL (BioMerieux, France). During the study period (19 weeks), a total of 77 air samples and 870 clinical specimens (swabs from throat, nose, conjunctiva and skin) from 174 patients were collected weekly. Microorganisms were identified by using Vitek system (BioMerieux, France) and conventional methods. According to the criteria of Federal Standard 209E (FD 209E) on cleanrooms, the conventionally ventilated operating- and general surgery rooms, and the anesthesia intensive care unit have been ranked as less than class 3.5 and 3, respectively. The frequency of nosocomial infection related to air-colonization was higher in patients of anestesia intensive care unit (16.4%), than in those of general surgery intensive care unit (4.9%). In general surgery rooms and anesthesia intensive care unit, the most frequent air-colonization related nosocomial infections were surgical wound infections and bacteremia, respectively. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii. It can be concluded that, total number of airborne viable particles in the critical areas such as operating theatres and intensive care units, seems to be a significant risk factor for the development of nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients.
Insights
Airborne contaminants in operating rooms and ICUs are linked to patient infections. Reducing airborne particles in critical care areas is crucial for preventing hospital-acquired infections, especially in vulnerable patients.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Environmental microbiology
- Critical care medicine
Background:
- Operating theatres and intensive care units (ICUs) are critical areas where airborne contaminants can pose a significant risk.
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major concern, particularly for immunocompromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between airborne microorganisms in operating theatres and ICUs and those colonizing or infecting patients.
- To assess the air quality in critical care settings based on established cleanroom standards.
Main Methods:
- Air samples were collected using the biocollector air IDEAL over 19 weeks.
- Clinical specimens were obtained from 174 patients, and microorganisms were identified using the Vitek system and conventional methods.
- Air quality was assessed according to Federal Standard 209E (FD 209E).
Main Results:
- Operating rooms and anesthesia ICUs were classified below class 3.5 and 3, respectively, indicating suboptimal air quality.
- Nosocomial infection rates related to air colonization were higher in the anesthesia ICU (16.4%) compared to the general surgery ICU (4.9%).
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most frequently isolated pathogens.
Conclusions:
- The total number of airborne viable particles in critical areas is a significant risk factor for nosocomial infections.
- Enhanced air quality control in operating theatres and ICUs is essential for patient safety.
- Targeted strategies are needed to mitigate the risk of airborne microbial contamination in healthcare settings.
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