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Prolonged survival of Pseudomonas cepacia in commercially manufactured povidone-iodine
R L Anderson1, R W Vess, A L Panlilio
1Nosocomial Infections Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas cepacia organisms were recently recovered from a povidone-iodine antiseptic solution. During the subsequent investigation, laboratory studies were initiated to determine the survival time of these organisms in the iodophor solution, which contains 1% titratable iodine. The solution was sampled weekly upon receipt in our laboratory, and P. cepacia was subsequently recovered through 29 weeks of sampling. Current laboratory data and lot production date information from the manufacturer indicate that P. cepacia survived for up to 68 weeks from the time of manufacture. Scanning electron microscopic examination of contaminated solution demonstrated bacterial cells embedded in extracellular material.
Insights
Pseudomonas cepacia bacteria can survive in povidone-iodine antiseptic solutions for extended periods, up to 68 weeks. This finding highlights potential risks associated with contaminated antiseptic solutions in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antiseptic Efficacy
Background:
- Pseudomonas cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Antiseptic solutions are crucial for infection control.
- Contamination of medical supplies can lead to healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival time of Pseudomonas cepacia in a povidone-iodine antiseptic solution.
- To assess the risk of P. cepacia contamination in iodophor-based antiseptics.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory studies involving weekly sampling of contaminated povidone-iodine solution.
- Bacterial recovery and identification of P. cepacia.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for visualization of bacterial cells.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas cepacia was recovered from the povidone-iodine solution for up to 29 weeks in laboratory sampling.
- Manufacturer data indicated P. cepacia survived for up to 68 weeks from the time of manufacture.
- SEM revealed bacterial cells embedded within extracellular material in the contaminated solution.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas cepacia demonstrates remarkable survival in povidone-iodine antiseptic solutions.
- Extended survival suggests a potential risk of P. cepacia transmission from contaminated antiseptics.
- Further investigation into antiseptic efficacy and contamination control is warranted.