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Microbiome and Mycobiome Analyses of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices
Hyun Jin Min1,2, Bo-Yun Choi3, Woo Jun Sul3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Objectives:
Microorganisms are likely present in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in daily use. Given the potential risk of infection among CPAP users, we aimed to compare the microbiomes of CPAP devices with those of nasal mucosa samples obtained from patients using these devices.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective cohort study at multiple tertiary medical institutions. Samples were collected from the tubes and filters of CPAP devices and the nasal mucosa of device users. Microbiomes and mycobiomes were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The results were compared according to sampling site and usage duration for each patient.
Results:
Overall, 27 paired samples of human nasal mucosa and CPAP components were analyzed. Bacteria were detected in 7 of the 27 tubes (25.9%) and in 22 of the 27 filters (81.5%). Fungi were found in 2 tubes (7.4%) and 16 filters (59.3%). The most prevalent bacterial phyla across all samples were Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Fungi were not detected in any nasal mucosa samples. However, fungi were identified in the CPAP filters and tubes, with the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla predominating. No significant associations were identified according to sampling site or duration of CPAP use.
Conclusion:
Some bacteria or fungi are detectable in CPAP samples, even after a short period of CPAP usage. However, the association between respiratory infections and these microbiomes or mycobiomes was not investigated. Further research is required to clarify the risk posed by CPAP devices as a microbial contamination source.
Insights
Microbial and fungal communities are detectable in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, even with short-term use. Further research is needed to determine if CPAP devices pose a risk for respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical Devices
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are widely used for sleep apnea.
- The presence of microorganisms in CPAP devices raises concerns about potential infection risks for users.
- Understanding the microbial and fungal composition of CPAP devices is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the microbiomes and mycobiomes of CPAP devices with nasal mucosa samples from users.
- To identify the types and prevalence of bacteria and fungi in CPAP device components.
- To investigate potential associations between CPAP usage duration and microbial contamination.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted at multiple tertiary medical institutions.
- Samples were collected from CPAP tubes, filters, and users' nasal mucosa.
- Microbiomes and mycobiomes were analyzed using 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing.
Main Results:
- Bacteria were detected in 25.9% of CPAP tubes and 81.5% of filters.
- Fungi were found in 7.4% of tubes and 59.3% of filters; none were detected in nasal mucosa.
- Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the most prevalent bacterial phyla; Basidiomycota and Ascomycota predominated among fungi.
Conclusions:
- Bacteria and fungi are detectable in CPAP devices shortly after use.
- No significant associations were found between microbial presence and sampling site or duration of use.
- Further investigation is required to assess the risk of CPAP devices as a source of microbial contamination and respiratory infections.
