Related Experiment Videos
Manual ventilation bags as a source for bacterial colonization of intubated patients
D J Weber1, M B Wilson, W A Rutala
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7030.
Abstract:
A group of 14 intensive care unit (ICU) patients were studied to determine if manual ventilation bags (MVB) could serve as a source of bacterial or fungal pathogens that could colonize the respiratory tract of intubated patients. A total of 51 cultures were simultaneously obtained of patient's sputum, the exterior MVB surface, MVB port, and MVB interior (postexhalation valve). Pathogens colonizing or infecting the respiratory tract of intubated ICU patients were frequently simultaneously present on the exterior surface of the MVB and inside the MVB port used to connect the MVB with the endotracheal tube. In addition, coagulase-negative staphylococci and yeast were frequently present on the exterior surface of the MVB. The interior of the MVB was usually sterile. In three instances pathogens were isolated from the MVB before isolation from the patient's sputum. MVB may serve as a source for colonizing the respiratory tract of intubated ICU patients and/or the hands of medical personnel. The exterior surface and port of MVB should be cleaned of visible debris and disinfected at least once a day.
Insights
Manual ventilation bags (MVB) can harbor respiratory pathogens on their exterior and port, potentially colonizing intubated ICU patients. Regular cleaning and disinfection of MVBs are recommended to prevent pathogen spread.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Intensive Care Medicine
Background:
- Intubated patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are susceptible to respiratory tract infections.
- Manual ventilation bags (MVBs) are frequently used in critical care settings.
- The potential role of MVBs as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether manual ventilation bags (MVBs) serve as a source of bacterial or fungal pathogens.
- To determine if these pathogens can colonize the respiratory tract of intubated patients.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous cultures were obtained from 14 ICU patients' sputum and their MVBs (exterior, port, interior).
- Cultures assessed for bacterial and fungal pathogens.
- Comparison of pathogen presence in MVBs versus patient sputum.
Main Results:
- Pathogens colonizing intubated ICU patients' respiratory tracts were frequently found on the MVB exterior and port.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci and yeast were commonly isolated from the MVB exterior.
- The interior of the MVB was generally sterile; pathogens were sometimes detected on MVBs before patient sputum.
- MVBs may act as a source for respiratory tract colonization or contaminate healthcare workers' hands.
Conclusions:
- Manual ventilation bags (MVBs) can be a source of respiratory pathogens in ICUs.
- Pathogen presence on MVB exterior and port highlights a risk for patient colonization.
- Recommendations include daily cleaning and disinfection of MVB exterior surfaces and ports.