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Microbial contamination of nonsterile pharmaceuticals in public hospital settings

Veronica Mugoyela1, Kennedy D Mwambete

  • 1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, PO Box 65013, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. vmgoyela@muhas.ac.tz

Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management
|October 20, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microbial contamination in nonsterile pharmaceuticals is a significant concern, with 50% of tested products showing heavy contamination. Proper handling and dispensing practices are crucial to prevent cross-contamination and ensure medicine safety.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microbial contamination can alter pharmaceutical physicochemical properties.
  • Nonsterile pharmaceuticals require bioburden control, though not sterility.
  • Understanding microbial contamination is vital for medicine safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate microbial contamination in nonsterile pharmaceuticals.
  • Identify and quantify microbial contaminants.
  • Determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated microbes.

Main Methods:

  • Study conducted at Amana Municipal Hospital, Tanzania.
  • Selected representative tablets, syrups, and capsules.
  • Enumerated microorganisms using standard microbiologic procedures.

Main Results:

  • 50% of tested nonsterile pharmaceuticals were heavily contaminated.
  • Predominant contaminants included Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Candida species.
  • Isolated Bacillus and Klebsiella species showed resistance to Augmentin and cloxacillin.

Conclusions:

  • Contamination likely stems from poor handling during dispensing and repackaging.
  • Nonadherence to good manufacturing practices may contribute to contamination.
  • Educating dispensers and patients on proper medicine handling is essential to control cross-contamination.
Keywords:
bioburdensdispensingmicroorganismsoutpatientspharmacy

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