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Microscopes and ocular infections
Abstract:
Environmental microbial assays of industrial microscope eyepieces were conducted following reports of multiple intershift ocular infections. Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus was identified among the microorganisms cultured. This paper suggests that direct contact with industrial microscope eyepieces provides a potentially significant route of transmission of both bacterial and viral ocular infections. An industrial hygiene ocular health questionnaire was distributed to a first and second shift manufacturing operation to assess the incidence of ocular infections. These data were compared to the questionnaire responses of 122 control manufacturing workers who did not use microscopes. Based on self-reporting by employees, those who used microscopes were found to have statistically significant incidence of sites and conjunctivitis that was 8.3 times that of the control group. Sterilization of eyepieces by ethylene oxide, formaldehyde and isopropyl alcohol were considered, but ultimately rejected. These biocides were found respectively to damage ocular lens coatings, contribute to volatile organic emissions, or be ineffective against spore-forming bacteria. This article presents a detailed evaluation of a commercially available ultraviolet sanitization unit (manufactured by the King Bactostat Corp., 7115 Armistad Street, El Paso, TX 79912). This ultraviolet disinfection process proved to be rapid and emission free; it also yielded eyepieces free of residual chemical biocides that have the potential for ocular irritation. Field tests involving 60 eyepieces demonstrated effective disinfection by a Chi-Square statistical comparison, at values greater than 95% confidence level, as compared to unirradiated eyepieces.
Insights
Industrial microscope eyepieces can transmit infections like Staphylococcus aureus. Ultraviolet (UV) light effectively disinfects eyepieces, offering a safe and rapid solution to prevent ocular infections in manufacturing settings.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Hygiene
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Reports of intershift ocular infections prompted an investigation into industrial microscope eyepieces.
- Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus was identified as a common contaminant on microscope eyepieces.
- Direct contact with contaminated eyepieces is a significant transmission route for ocular infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of ocular infections among industrial microscope users.
- To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection for industrial microscope eyepieces.
Main Methods:
- An industrial hygiene ocular health questionnaire was administered to microscope users and a control group.
- Microbial cultures were performed on microscope eyepieces.
- A commercial UV sanitization unit was evaluated for its disinfection capabilities.
Main Results:
- Microscope users reported 8.3 times higher incidence of ocular infections (e.g., conjunctivitis) compared to non-users.
- Traditional chemical sterilization methods (ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, isopropyl alcohol) were rejected due to material damage, emissions, or ineffectiveness.
- UV disinfection demonstrated over 95% confidence level effectiveness in eliminating microbial contamination on eyepieces.
Conclusions:
- Industrial microscope eyepieces pose a significant risk for transmitting ocular infections.
- UV disinfection is a rapid, emission-free, and effective method for sanitizing microscope eyepieces.
- UV offers a safe alternative to chemical biocides, preventing ocular irritation and ensuring worker safety.