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Can Monsel's Transmit Nosocomial Infections? A Microbiological Investigation
Audrey P Garrett1, Robert M Wenham, Andrew B Onderdonk
1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Microbiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE.: Our objective was to test whether common nosocomial pathogenic bacteria can be cultured in Monsel's paste, 20% ferric subsulfate, an astringent solution with styptic qualities that causes hemostasis when applied topically to small cuts. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: First, samples of Monsel's paste were collected and plated onto 4 media. Bacterial growth was evaluated at 48 hours. Second, thioglycollate medium was inoculated with a combination of Monsel's paste and actively growing stock bacteria. After 2 days, the samples were subcultured. They were evaluated for growth at 5 days. Next, samples of Monsel's were inoculated with 10Pseudomonas aeruginosa or 10Clostridium perfringens. The samples of inoculated paste were examined at 5-minute intervals thereafter to evaluate bacterial survival. RESULTS.: Neither the open samples of Monsel's solution nor the inoculated samples of Monsel's solution grew bacteria. When the samples inoculated with 10 organisms were examined at timed intervals after inoculation, no bacteria were noted after 5 minutes. CONCLUSIONS.: It is unlikely that nosocomial bacteria could survive exposure to Monsel's solution. Thus, potential contamination of the solution is unlikely, and subsequent transmission of infection is improbable.
Insights
Monsel's paste, a topical hemostatic agent, effectively inhibits the growth of common nosocomial pathogenic bacteria. This study demonstrates that Monsel's solution is unlikely to be contaminated by bacteria, preventing infection transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Monsel's paste (20% ferric subsulfate) is a widely used topical astringent for hemostasis.
- The potential for contamination of topical agents is a clinical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if common nosocomial pathogenic bacteria can survive and proliferate in Monsel's paste.
- To assess the risk of Monsel's paste acting as a vector for infection transmission.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were plated on various media with and without Monsel's paste.
- Thioglycollate medium was used to test bacterial viability in combination with Monsel's paste.
- Specific bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium perfringens) were exposed to Monsel's paste and monitored for survival at timed intervals.
Main Results:
- No bacterial growth was observed in open or inoculated samples of Monsel's paste.
- Bacteria exposed to Monsel's paste showed no survival after 5 minutes.
- The solution demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties against tested nosocomial pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Monsel's paste exhibits significant antimicrobial activity, preventing the survival of nosocomial bacteria.
- The risk of Monsel's paste contamination is negligible.
- The potential for transmission of infection via Monsel's paste is improbable.
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